Our Mission
The Colorado Adult Education Coalition is committed to advancing equitable learning opportunities across Colorado by uniting educators, workforce partners, employers, community organizations, and advocates to strengthen education-to-career pathways, support lifelong learning, and increase economic mobility for Coloradoans.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to ensure every Coloradoan has access to the education, training, and support needed to thrive academically, economically, and as leaders in their communities.
We support Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, High School Equivalency, English Language Acquisition, Family Literacy, correctional education, workforce education, and career pathway programs throughout the state.
Through advocacy, professional development, collaboration, innovation, research, and community engagement, we work to strengthen Colorado’s education system and expand opportunities that lead to education, employment, and long-term economic mobility.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Serves as the organization’s governing body and provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and organizational accountability. The Board is responsible for advancing CAEC’s mission, establishing organizational priorities, supporting fiscal sustainability, and ensuring that programs and initiatives align with the organization’s purpose and long-term goals.
Dr. Junior Reina Toc, PhD
CAEC Board Secretary
Biography
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Our commitment to education drives us to serve all communities in Colorado.
Meet Our Advisory Council
A multidisciplinary body of education, workforce development, industry, labor, and community stakeholders that provides strategic guidance to strengthen CAEC’s education-to-career initiatives.
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Charles Switzer
President at Adult and Youth Skilled Trades
Biography
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Clelia McVay
Workforce Specialist
Broomfield Workforce Center
City and County of Broomfield
Biography
Delores Bledsoe
Project Coordinator
Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council
Biography
Erika Rodriguez
Apprenticeship Coordinator/ Office Manager
Colorado Laborers & Contractors Education & Training Fund
Gladys Felix-Mendoza
Case Manager
Workforce Development
Pikes Peak Workforce Center
El Paso County Citizens Service Center
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Jenifer Leon
Workforce Development Manager
Araphaoe/ Douglas County
Biography
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Dr. Michelle Butler
Senior Manager
Workforce Development
Communications & Engagement
Colorado Energy Office
Jon Watson
Denver Training Coordinator
Colorado Sheet Metal Workers Joint Apprenticeship
Biography
Dan Pasini
Trades Future
Biography
Rashid Jordan
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Second Chance Center, Inc.
Biography
Sergio Rodriguez
Program Supervisor
Career Services
Arapahoe/Douglas Works!
Biography
Shannon Dunphy
Dandelion Energy
Biography
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300,000 Coloradoans without a high school equivalency
41% of the 300,000 have less than 9th grad education
Per student education
spending in Colorado
K-12: $9,500
Adult Education: $1,000