Have you wondered about the progress and successes your adult learners have made since participating in your program and the role the program has had in their lives? Through the years, many COABE members have requested data to share with funders or legislators regarding the value of adult education in a learner’s life.

 

COABE is pleased to share a groundbreaking research study to examine the return on investment of participating in adult education programs! With generous funding provided by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the Adult Education Completer Alumni Study kicked off the initial pilot program during the fall 2021 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and then formally launched at the COABE 2022 national conference. Through this study, self-reported outcome measures related to employment, wages, family education, and civic engagement will be gathered from adult program completers over a three-year timeframe.

 

The first year of the project included working with adult education sites to pilot and refine the study questionnaires. This next phase will engage as many local adult education partners as possible to ensure the greatest alumni participation in the study. Programs and alumni will be incentivized to participate in the study. The longitudinal approach will provide insights into the initial and long-term benefits and impact adult education programs have on their completers, families, and communities. Project updates will be shared via publications and presentations.