Conference Recap

You Showed Up and Led the Way!

The 2025 Students as Leaders Summit took place on March 31, 2025, in Dallas, Texas—and it was all about YOU. Nearly 300 adult learners joined us in person, and over 1,200 more attended through local watch parties across the country!

This free, hybrid event gave adult learners like you the chance to connect, share stories, and build leadership skills. You heard from fellow students, joined in on engaging sessions, and left with tools to make a difference in your program and community.

Couldn’t make it? No worries—you can still catch the recording and check out the resources:

👉 Watch the recording and explore the summit »

Thanks for showing the world what student leadership looks like!

Advocacy April

Want to Make a Difference? Start with 5 to Drive Change!

This Advocacy April, you can take simple steps to help protect and promote adult education. Whether you’re new to advocacy or ready to go further, these five actions are a great place to start:

1️⃣ Take action with three quick clicks – It’s fast and easy to speak up!

2️⃣ Schedule a meeting with your legislator – Even a short virtual meeting can make a big impact.

3️⃣ Connect with your state association – Learn how to get involved and stay informed.

4️⃣ Use media to spread the word – Share your story online or in your local community.

5️⃣ Sign the Educate & Elevate America pledge – Show your support for adult education nationwide.

Every voice matters—and that includes yours.

👉 Take your first step here »

Google Scholars

The multi-year partnership between COABE and Google resulted in an award for 500 Google Career Certificates in six high growth fields that lead to competitive pay a median wage of $76,000 per year. Throughout the program, Google Scholars are able to access guidance from an experienced mentor and adult education teacher. We congratulate our March certificate completers below. 

Project Management

• Arnulfo (TX)
• George Kweku Appiah (IL)
• Leslie Pelotto (LA)

Foundations of User Experience Design

• Madeline Torres Ocasio (PA)

Digital Marketing & E-commerce

• Giovanna Pacindo (IL)

AI Essentials:

• Steph Haggard (KY)
• Carol Perisho (CT)
• Kate Burlingame (FL)
• Gregory Jacques (NY)
• Rebeccah Frahm (NC)
• John Cobbina (PA)
• Wannaanong Pipatthanaarayakul (OH)
• Esmeralda Negrete (TX)
• Suni Jauga (PA)
• Martha Muriungi (OH)

Google Prompting:

• Maureen Osborne (PA)
• Gregory Jacques (NY)
• Mackenzie Shiau (FL)

Thanks to the partnership between COABE and Google, you can continue to access Applied Digital Skills for free. Learn more and start strengthening your digital skills today!

Spotlight on Success

After years of her parents refusing her the right to an education, Marissa Benfield found adult education and realized that her lifelong goal was not that far out of reach. Read Marissa's story.

Every month, the COABE Compass will spotlight the success story of an adult learner. If you want to submit your success story, complete this form. View more success stories on the Educate and Elevate site.

SOS Fund

Did your car break down and you cannot afford the repairs? Do you have to choose between going to adult education classes or working to pay for heat? We are here to support you so you can stay in class!

COABE’s Educate & Elevate Foundation accepts applications year-round for the SOS (Support Our Students) Fund. Emergency grants are provided to an adult learner to offset an immediate barrier to sustained learning at a local program. Both the adult learner and the local program must be members of COABE.

Visit the Educate & Elevate Foundation webpage to apply.