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Leadership and Research Fellowship

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Prepares emerging leaders to strengthen adult basic education through leadership, innovation, applied research, workforce partnerships, and evidence-based practices that improve learner outcomes across Colorado.
Fellowship Application

Each fellowship cohort is highly competitive. Fifteen to twenty five fellows are selected each year through an application and review process.

 

Selected fellows represent a diverse group of professionals from adult education, workforce development, higher education, community organizations, corrections education, and related fields who are committed to strengthening adult basic education across Colorado.

What is it?

  • The Colorado Adult Education Coalition Leadership and Research Fellowship is a yearlong statewide professional development program that strengthens adult basic education by developing emerging and experienced leaders across Colorado.

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  • Fellows participate in leadership development, applied research, policy and advocacy, workforce innovation, and mentoring while learning from experts in adult education, workforce development, higher education, industry, and public policy.

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  • Each fellow completes an applied research project that addresses a current issue in adult basic education and presents evidence based recommendations to improve programs and inform policy.

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  • Upon successful completion of the fellowship, participants receive a fellowship stipend  and join the Colorado Adult Education Coalition Fellows Network to continue advancing adult basic education through leadership, research, advocacy, and innovation.

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  • The fellowship is intended solely for professional development and does not provide occupational training, licensure, or academic credit. It is offered by the Colorado Adult Education Coalition (CAEC) to advance leadership capacity, research, and innovation within the adult education profession.

Why Become a Fellow?

  • Leadership development through a yearlong cohort experience

 

  • Individual mentoring from experienced leaders

 

  • Applied research experience that addresses current issues in adult basic education

 

  • Opportunities to present research and promising practices to statewide audiences

 

  • Professional networking with educators, employers, workforce partners, higher education, and policymakers

 

  • Professional recognition as a Colorado Adult Education Coalition Fellow

 

  • Certificate of Fellowship completion

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  • Membership in the Colorado Adult Education Coalition Fellows Network

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  • Opportunities for career advancement and statewide leadership

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  • Opportunities to contribute to the future of adult basic education in Colorado through research, advocacy, and innovation

Many organizations offer professional development, but relatively few offer a structured leadership fellowship dedicated to adult basic education.

Several state associations offer leadership academies, institutes, or emerging leader programs, although they are generally shorter than a year-long fellowship. Examples include associations in:

  • Kentucky

  • Massachusetts

  • Minnesota

  • Wisconsin

  • Texas

  • California

These programs typically focus on conference leadership, advocacy, mentoring, and professional development rather than a structured fellowship.

We empower leaders to build systems where every adult learner can access opportunity, advancement, and lifelong success.

Dr. Jacinda Lay, EdD

CAEC Chief Executive Officer

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