Directors'; CAEP Technical Assistance Project

It is with immense pleasure and excitement that we extend our warmest welcome to the California Adult Education Program Summit 2023. We’re so happy to be here in-person with each of you for the first time in three years! In the second year of our 2022-25 three-year plans, we gather here at the Summit under the theme “Anchoring the State Priorities into Adult Education” to explore, collaborate, and propel forward the intersections of innovation, practice, and state objectives.

Our California Adult Education Program – Technical Assistance Project (CAEP TAP) invites you to engage in close to 90 presentations and two networking events over the next 3 days showcasing the latest innovations and emerging practices aligned to the state priorities in adult education. Whether it’s through harnessing technology, embracing inclusivity, or amplifying access, we are united in our quest to propel California’s adult education system to new horizons.

As your technical assistance partners, the CAEP TAP team will welcome you at the registration table, be your room monitors, and will be organizing the Summit behind the scenes. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support throughout the conference. We’re here for you!

Don’t miss the Summit Opening on Tuesday morning where we will hear from our California Community College Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education leaders about their vision for adult education in 2023 and beyond. We’ll also take time to celebrate our Advancing CA Adult Education top honorees and hear about how these adult education programs are developing new and successful practices within their consortia and agencies. The model programs are guaranteed to spark some interest within your own consortium on how to address common issues for non-credit and K-12 agencies such as addressing transportation barriers for adult students through partnerships with the local transit authority, investing in technology, staffing, and flexible scheduling to build program enrollment and outcomes, and increasing learner transition to college with adult education-trained transition specialists and counselors. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with actionable strategies!

Make sure to join us during Tuesday’s lunch as we welcome esteemed special guests. Our Students Succeed program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established, and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances to pursue adult learning experiences. The program recognizes the hard work that outstanding adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations. Congratulations to Francisco Solano and Maria Cornellier, our top honorees in 2023, and congratulations to the additional 32 students recognized for their resilience and accomplishments. We invite you to explore their compelling stories and watch their inspiring videos on our website: https://adultedlearners.org. External Link Icon opens in new window or tab

Finally, we’re thrilled to announce that the Summit schedule has been crafted to provide ample opportunity for you to visit and engage with our exhibitors. Representatives from key adult education vendors are eager to connect with you and to share how their products can help meet the needs of your students and programs. As you engage with them, consider inquiring about their collaborations across CAEP adult education programs. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to expand your professional circle while discovering innovative solutions!

With so many options, you will want to take the time to build a personalized “My Summit” schedule on the Summit online platform. Adding a presentation to your personalized schedule also allows easy access to handouts and Power Points from these presentations. Capacity building is all about sharing, so don’t hesitate to share your newfound knowledge through social media with colleagues at your sites and with stakeholders across your consortium and throughout your region. We have full confidence this will be a wonderful professional growth experience.

Thank you for being an integral part of this remarkable journey. Your presence is a testament to your dedication to our shared commitment to advancing adult education across California. Let’s inspire, let’s innovate, and let’s ignite passion for learning!