Keystone Scholars College Investment

Keystone Scholars jumpstarts educational savings by providing a $100 automatic, at-birth investment for every child born to a Pennsylvania family on or after January 1, 2019. Parents can then claim and register their account by entering a few pieces of information. Once registered, families may open their own companion PA 529 account and link their Keystone Scholars account to contribute to their savings journey. They only need three pieces of information:

• Child’s date of birth.
• State File Number from child’s PA birth certificate.
• Zip code used to file for child’s birth certificate.

Research shows that children with college savings in their name – even if that amount is modest – are three times more likely to pursue postsecondary education and four times more likely to graduate. Please share this information with your learners and colleagues.

AI Literacy: For Everyone, Everywhere

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance both the learning that happens in our classrooms and our jobs facilitating that learning. World Education's EdTech Center has shared an article, "AI Literacy: For Everyone, Everywhere" that stresses the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge to understand and engage with AI. To start, the article defines AI, shares a Digital Skills Glossary, and identifies three learning goals for understanding AI. Several resources are highlighted, including World Education's CampGPT training and a published open prompt book containing tips, tricks, and prompt ideas for maximizing the use of AI. In the article you can find digital badges, a webinar series, and more resources to help you and your students gain familiarity with the usefulness of AI technology.

Webinar: Career Coaching "Train the Trainer" Cohort - Resources for Career Assessments

On Thursday, May 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m., join career coach supervisors from across the nation to uncover resources and tools for clients’ career assessments and resume assistance. This session is part of an exclusive “Train the Trainer” cohort, aiming to enhance the skills and expertise of workforce development supervisors who manage career coaches within American Job Centers. However, Workforce GPS is opening this webinar to the public, to encourage broader dissemination of promising practices within the realm of career coaching. Learn more and register online.

Google AI Essentials Course

The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) has 500 scholarship openings for the Google AI Essentials course. This course is designed to help learners gain essential AI skills to boost their productivity and elevate their work, zero experience required. Taught by AI experts at Google, this self-paced course is applicable across roles and industries and will help your community stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of AI. Through practical activities, learners will discover how to use generative AI tools to help develop ideas and content, make more informed decisions, and speed up daily work tasks. They'll also learn how to write effective prompts and use AI responsibly by identifying AI’s potential biases and avoiding harm. After completing the course, learners earn a certificate from Google to share with their network and potential employers. Apply for a scholarship through COABE.

Professional Learning for Adult Education and Family Literacy Staff

Staff at PDE-funded adult education and family literacy agencies can view a list of upcoming courses now available for enrollment in the PD Portal. For more information about any of these courses, please visit the PD Portal, open the course catalog, and review the syllabus. If you are interested in enrolling in a course, please consult with your in-house professional development specialist (IHPDS) to determine if the course meets your professional learning goals.

Mid-Survey Findings in the Adult Education Alumni Study

The Adult Education Alumni Study is underway and you can still participate in it. Examining the return on investment of participating in adult education program, this longitudinal study is already producing interesting and helpful information. Of respondents so far, 99 percent report that adult education has had a positive influence in their life, with fully 73 percent rating it "Very High." Enrollment in the study is ongoing. Local programs who participate will be entered into a raffle for $500. Graduates of your program can participate and be entered into a raffle for a $1000 graduation fund.

2025 COABE Conference

The dates have been set for the next COABE National Conference. The 2025 edition of the conference will be held in Dallas, Texas, March 30 through April 2, 2025.

The job postings below are for adult basic education programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and, at least in part, by WIOA Title II funds. You can also find the postings on the PAAER website. To post a job, please email the job advertisement to mjmanfred@tiu11.org. 

• Course Development Coordinator

Visit PAAER.org for the latest PA adult education news and resources. Recent additions to the site include:

• New Adult Assessment Forms
• IET Overview
• Women's Resources

• ProLiteracy Conference on Adult Education - October 6-9, 2024, Baltimore, MD
• Families Learning Conference - November 18-20, 2024, Louisville, KY
• COABE National Conference - March 30-April 2, 2025, Dallas Texas

State and national organizations' newsletters are listed below and may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 

PA Association for Adult Continuing Education

Features information for adult education partners for advocacy, networking, and professional development

May Newsletter

Families Learning, News of the Week, National Center for Families Learning

Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education.

May 10 | Apr. 26

COABE Connects, Digital Equity, Coalition on Adult Basic Education

Features national information, resources, and initiatives for adult basic education.

May 17 | May 10 | May 5 |

World Education/U.S.

Features resources and information from World Education projects, including EdTech Center News, The Change Agent, College for Adults, E-Learning, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, National College Transition Network, and many others. 

May 15 | Apr. 30