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Abstract:
Adult education has evolved from informal, oral traditions to structured programs that address the changing needs of society. This article traces its historical roots from early evening schools and trade education to modern community colleges and workforce development initiatives. It explores the relevance of adult learning through andragogical principles, emphasizing its problem-centered approach and immediate application. Finally, it highlights the profound impact of adult education, showcasing its role in personal growth, economic mobility, and community engagement.
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Abstract:
Adult education has evolved from informal, oral traditions to structured programs that address the changing needs of society. This article traces its historical roots from early evening schools and trade education to modern community colleges and workforce development initiatives. It explores the relevance of adult learning through andragogical principles, emphasizing its problem-centered approach and immediate application. Finally, it highlights the profound impact of adult education, showcasing its role in personal growth, economic mobility, and community engagement.
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Abstract:
Adult education paves the way for the participants to achieve the diverse goals that they set for themselves. Most adult learners choose to attend adult education programs because they want support in reaching their specific goals and dreams. This compels stakeholders to view adult education not as the end but as the means to different ends. Using an empowerment framework, the authors document some outcomes that can be achieved with adult education. Distilling the findings from adult education and especially women’s empowerment programs across the years, and presenting women’s own voices, we show that adult education is effective in the development of cognitive/educational skills (e.g., literacy, numeracy, basic knowledge). However, just as important are the social and emotional changes, such as increased self-confidence, communication skills, and awareness of societal constraints and resources. This foundation and a developing sense of agency facilitate adults to begin making changes in their lives, as aligned with their own goals and values. By systematically highlighting these outcomes, the authors demonstrate how adult education makes a difference in people’s lives and encourage policymakers to better support adult education programs in the U.S. and across the globe.
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Abstract:
Adult education has evolved from informal, oral traditions to structured programs that address the changing needs of society. This article traces its historical roots from early evening schools and trade education to modern community colleges and workforce development initiatives. It explores the relevance of adult learning through andragogical principles, emphasizing its problem-centered approach and immediate application. Finally, it highlights the profound impact of adult education, showcasing its role in personal growth, economic mobility, and community engagement.
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Abstract:
Workforce Pell is reshaping the connection between adult education, workforce development, and higher education by expanding Pell Grants to eligible short-term workforce training programs. As implementation begins, adult education leaders have an opportunity to strengthen career pathways, build new partnerships, and improve learner access to high-value credentials. This session will unpack the legislation, explain the new accountability measures and eligibility requirements, and examine what they mean for adult education, Integrated Education and Training (IET), and workforce partnerships. Participants will leave with practical strategies to prepare their organizations and position adult learners for success in the Workforce Pell era.
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Abstract:
Get ready for National Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week! Join COABE for an interactive webinar designed to help you plan, promote, and celebrate this year's nationwide campaign. You'll receive an overview of the 2026 AEFL Week initiative, learn creative ways to engage learners and community partners, explore promotional resources, and discover simple strategies to maximize your local impact. Whether you're planning a small recognition event or a community-wide celebration, you'll leave with practical ideas and tools to make AEFL Week a success. Original webinar date: August 10, 2026 Webinar recording link: https://youtu.be/J_hJYmbnyoo
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Abstract:
This article examines corrections reform across the United States, highlighting how forward-thinking governors from both political parties are replacing punitive incarceration models with education- and employment-focused rehabilitation approaches. Despite approximately one-third of American adults having criminal records and 57% of state prisoners reporting no access to education, several states are demonstrating that change is possible. Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee and Massachusetts’ efforts under former Governor Charlie Baker and now Governor Maura Healey serve as prime examples of comprehensive reform, with both states investing in learning technology and dedicated staff to create pathways to sustainable employment. Tennessee has implemented education programs in 91 of 95 county jails, while Massachusetts became the first state to offer education programming to all incarcerated individuals in its prison system. These initiatives have yielded remarkable results: Some Tennessee counties have reported recidivism reductions of up to 50%, while Massachusetts has halved its prison population between 2010 and 2023. The author’s decade of experience implementing learning technology in correctional facilities confirms that combining learning-first technology with staff support and visionary leadership can transform correctional systems from warehousing facilities into true rehabilitation centers, ultimately changing lives and benefiting society.
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Abstract:
Every year, the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE) publishes fact sheets that showcase the performance of adult education programs. Nationally and for each state, these fact sheets display the scope of the services provided by the adult education programs, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title II federal and nonfederal matching funds. Performance for Program Year 2023–2024 is shown in the accompanying fact sheet and highlights are shared.