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California Adult Education Week
Posted on 04/02/2026
From April 19 through April 25, 2026, California will observe Adult Education Week, recognizing the vital role adult education plays in supporting learners, families, communities, and the workforce across the state. This week recognizes the dedication the teachers, administrators, classified staff, and students do to make adult education possible.
2026 Legislative Advocacy Day
📅 April 20-21, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
During California Adult Education Week, adult education leaders, educators, and students from across the state will gather in Sacramento for programs that support adult learners.
- Share the impact of adult education programs with legislators
- Advocate for policies and funding that support adult learners
- Stand alongside colleagues statewide in a unified voice for adult education
- Strengthen awareness of adult education’s role in California’s economic and social health
🔗 Learn more: https://www.ccaestate.org/leg-day-2026 | https://www.caeaa.org/
📊 Adult Education by the Numbers (2024–25)
- 460,918 adult learners served statewide
- 51+ million hours of instruction provided
- 303,000 learners enrolled in ESL
- 131,000 learners in high school diploma or equivalency programs
- 135,000 learners in career training programs
🌟 Why Adult Education Matters in California
Adult education programs support Californians by providing:
- High school diploma and equivalency programs
- ESL and citizenship courses serving over 300,000 adult learners
- Critical support for immigrant integration and civic participation
- Job training in high-demand fields, including healthcare
- Programs that support parents and strengthen early childhood learning
- Inclusive learning environments supporting adults with disabilities
- Safe, welcoming spaces for learners of all backgrounds
📚 A Long History, A Strong Future
Adult education in California dates back to 1856 and has consistently responded to the state’s changing needs, from workforce demands during WWII to pandemic response and economic recovery. Established in 2014, the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) now celebrates over a decade of supporting adult learners through regional collaboration and innovation. Learn more about the history of California adult education here, which is another ambitious OTAN project.
Adult Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate progress, share success stories, and reaffirm the importance of lifelong learning.
