Introduction
Dear COABE Members,
With immense pride and anticipation, we are thrilled to present COABE’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan—a visionary roadmap to guide our organization through the next transformative chapter in adult education. This plan reflects our steadfast commitment to leadership and innovation in the field, charting a course for sustained progress in the years ahead.
Crafted collaboratively with input from a diverse range of members and stakeholders, this plan is a reflection of shared priorities and aspirations. It captures the perspectives of COABE’s board, leadership, and staff, as well as you, our members, thus ensuring alignment with our collective vision. In addition to detailing our goals, objectives, and strategies for the next 3 years, this document unveils our newly refined mission and vision statements. These statements are thoughtfully designed to encapsulate COABE’s current strengths and future aspirations, serving as a guiding compass for our efforts.
At the heart of this plan are three core principles: lead, equip, and empower. These pillars shape our strategic goals and represent our dedication to advancing the field. By leading with innovation, equipping educators and stakeholders with the tools they need, and empowering individuals and communities, we will build on our successes and forge new pathways for growth.
A cornerstone of this strategic plan is the elevation of student voices, Over the next three years, COABE will focus on expanding student membership and empowering students as active, engaged participants
in our mission. Through this effort, we aim to ensure that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their contributions are celebrated.
In addition, we remain deeply committed to enhancing networking and professional development opportunities for the adult education community. While COABE has a long-standing legacy of excellence in this area, we are embracing cutting-edge technology and innovative engagement strategies to further enrich our offerings.
We are confident that COABE’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan aligns with your own vision for the future of adult education. This plan is a testament to the invaluable contributions of our members and stakeholders—partners who make this work possible.
As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to join us in leading, equipping, and empowering the adult education field. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact.
Warm regards,
Sharon Bonney, COABE CEO & Shaketta Thomas, COABE Board President
Introduction
Our Story:
Past, Present & Future
We
Lead
We lead a diverse network of stakeholders to drive impact at the local, state, and federal level.
We
Equip
We equip the field of adult education by increasing professional development, advocacy, and data driven research.
We Empower
We empower adult learners to engage through innovative programs and services.
Calls to Action - Ways to Be Involved
Promote COABE by interacting with social media and other campaigns
Contribute expertise to COABE events and resources
Advocate at the local, state and national level for adult education resources
Educators & Associations
Adult Learners
Engage in social media
Advocate for and engage with COABE
Recruit other adult learners as members of COABE
Meet with COABE members to explore opportunities to support adult education
Make policy decisions that support the field of adult education
Promote adult education and inspire other policy makers
Policy Makers
Funders & Partners
Explore innovative partnerships that result in investments that support COABE’s membership
Bring visibility to the field of adult education
Contribute to resources and trainings to educate COABE members
Our Story - Past, Present & Future
1999
COABE was founded in 1999 with the guiding principle that adult education deserved more attention and respect at the local, state, and national levels.
We started with 1,072 members. Recruited local and state association leaders and educators from across the country.
Between 1999 and 2024, COABE disseminated 40 scholarly journals and 5 briefs.
COABE grew from 1,072 members in 1999 to 15,279 members in 2016.
COABE’s national conferences have been held in several major U.S. cities (virtually during Covid) and garnered over 23,239 attendees.
Started the Educate and Elevate public awareness campaign in 2017 that is raising awareness at the local, state and federal levels, changing the dialogue, and increasing funding for adult education. The campaign has won 8 national awards.
We have partnerships with 2,384 local programs, 49 state organizations, and over 100 national partners.
Founded the Adult Education & Family Literacy Week in 2018 that has led to over one million
connections with state and federal legislators and resulted in massive increases in funding for adult education programs.
COABE has helped millions of
adult learners find adult education programs through the Move Ahead With Adult Ed campaign.
2016
2016
