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CAEC Partners with NAFTAE
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NAFTAE in Colorado
CAEC partners with the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE) to strengthen the voice of adult education in Colorado and nationally.
Through advocacy, policy engagement, research, and strategic partnerships, CAEC advances adult education, GED/HSE, English language learning, correctional education, digital literacy, workforce preparation, career pathways, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Together, CAEC and NAFTAE connect advocates with policymakers and elevate the role of adult education in workforce development, economic mobility, and stronger communities.
Proclamation 2026
Receiving the 2026 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week proclamation is especially meaningful to the Colorado Adult Education Coalition (CAEC). Governor Jared Polis proclaimed September 13–19, 2026 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in Colorado, recognizing the role these programs play in helping Coloradans gain skills, earn credentials, advance their careers, support their families, and participate in their communities.
For CAEC, the proclamation represents recognition, visibility, and a stronger voice for adult learners and the professionals who serve them. It elevates adult literacy, high school equivalency, English language acquisition, family literacy, corrections education, workforce preparation, and career pathways as important parts of Colorado’s education and workforce system. These areas closely align with the services supported through the federal Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.
Most importantly, the proclamation honors the learners who return to education despite barriers and the educators and partners who help them move forward. For CAEC, it is both a celebration of how far adult education has come and a reminder of the work ahead. This proclamation says to Colorado’s adult learners: You matter. Your education matters. Your future matters. Together We Advance Adult Learning.
We celebrated this occasion with CAEC's CEO Dr. Jacinda Lay, NAFTAE Representative Amanda Thomas, Colorado General Assembly Representative Eliza Hamrick, Representative Lori Garcia Sander, Representative Jacque Phillips, Representative Ava Flanell and Jesselin Nicholson-Lopez with the Colorado Department of Adult Education. Thank you for your time.
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Delegation Tours Adams County Detention Facility Education Programs
NAFTAE Colorado launched its late summer advocacy efforts with a landmark educational tour of the Adams County Detention Facility, bringing together a bipartisan group of Colorado legislators to highlight the impact of adult education in correctional settings. Participating legislators included: Senator Scott Bright (District 13), Representative Ava Flanell (District 14), Representative Eliza Hamrick (District 61), Representative Jacque Phillips (District 31), Representative Tammy Story (District 25), Representative Lori Garcia Sander (District 65).
During the walkthrough, legislators toured the facilities, observed a GED preparation class in session, and visited the facility library, where they had the opportunity to speak directly with former students about their educational experiences.
The visit reinforced the critical role correctional education plays in strengthening Colorado communities. Research consistently shows that individuals who participate in correctional education are less likely to recidivate, more likely to gain employment after release, and better prepared to contribute to the state's workforce. These programs also support Colorado's economy by connecting returning citizens to high-demand industries, career pathways, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities while reducing long-term incarceration costs for taxpayers.
Seeing these educational programs firsthand demonstrates that literacy and education are among the most effective tools for rehabilitation. When we invest in adult education within our correctional facilities, we create opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce, improving public safety, and generating long-term savings for Colorado taxpayers.
NAFTAE Colorado extends its appreciation to the legislators, facility leadership, instructors and students who participated in this important event and remain committed to advancing policies that expand access to high-quality adult education for all Coloradans.
A very special thank you to Amanda Thomas, GED Instructor at Adams County Detention Facility, NAFTAE Colorado State Advocate Adult Education Fellow for coordinating this venture. Amanda you truly are a diamond in the rough!
Proclamation 2025
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