WELCOME
California Adult Education Program Summit 2026
Advancing Adult Learners: Access, Opportunity, and Success
October 27-30, 2026
The California Adult Education Program (CAEP), a collaboration between the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Department of Education, is pleased to present the annual CAEP Summit. Produced in partnership with the CAEP Office and CAEP Technical Assistance Providers, the Summit features targeted breakout sessions, powerful keynotes, and opportunities to build community with practitioners, researchers, and regional innovators.
Location
Santa Clara, California
Taking place October 27-30, 2026, in Santa Clara, California, the Summit will convene educators, administrators, coordinators, and support staff from adult education programs across the state. Participants will engage in meaningful collaboration, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies to improve outcomes for California’s adult learners.
Theme
Advancing Adult Learners: Access, Opportunity, and Success
Centered on the theme, “Advancing Adult Learners: Access, Opportunity, and Success”, this year’s Summit will highlight the integrated and impactful strategies California Adult Education Programs are using to expand access, close equity gaps, and support adult learners in reaching their academic and career aspirations.
This work reflects the vital role CAEP consortia play in advancing California’s state priorities through regional partnerships that promote a seamless, equitable, and learner-centered approach to adult education. Aligned with Vision 2030 and the Transforming Schools: Superintendent’s Initiatives, these efforts demonstrate a shared framework for progress across the state.
This year’s Summit will focus on expanding equitable access to education and resources, and creating greater opportunities for learner success. Through collaboration, the event will strengthen cross-agency partnerships, support alignment with workforce needs, and highlight strategies that help adult learners thrive at every stage of their educational journey. By addressing barriers and prioritizing inclusivity, the Summit is designed to advance meaningful outcomes for the individuals and communities CAEP serves.
With a streamlined agenda and purposeful structure, the Summit will feature inspiring keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. Each element is thoughtfully designed to provide attendees with practical tools, insights, and strategies to translate statewide initiatives into impactful results.
Why Attend?
More than just another conference, the California Adult Education (CAEP) Summit 2026 is the only statewide event designed specifically for practitioners working in this area, and funded and supported by the systems you work within every day. This annual gathering offers direct access to policy updates, system-aligned strategies, and cross-agency collaboration opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
Attendees will:
Connect and Collaborate
Engage with peers and partners across the adult education network to exchange promising practices and scalable strategies.
Gain Practical Insights
Explore tools, models, and research designed to improve equity, program coordination, and learner outcomes.
Engage in Forward-Focused Conversations
Participate in solution-oriented discussions that support continuous improvement and innovation.
Recharge and Refocus
You will leave feeling energized, informed, and ready to make a meaningful impact in your local community.
Event Features
- Keynotes and General Sessions
Systemwide updates and inspiration from adult education leaders. - Breakout Sessions
Focused conversations on program strategies, partnerships, learner pathways, and innovations in adult education. - Networking Opportunities
In-person connection with 500+ CAEP practitioners.
Who Should Attend?
- Adult Education Faculty, Instructors, and Program Staff
- CAEP Consortium Leads, Coordinators, and Regional Chairs
- Career Education and Workforce Development Directors
- Chief Instructional Officers, Vice Presidents of Instruction, and Deans
- College Presidents, Chief Executive Officers, and Cabinet-Level Leadership
- K–12 Adult School Administrators and Community-Based Partners
The CAEP Summit 2026 is the must-attend event for anyone involved in California’s adult education network. Together, we will advance access, integration, and innovation for the future of adult learners across the state.
CAEP Directors’ Event
Calling all CAEP Consortium Directors! Be sure to register for the CAEP Directors’ Event on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
This one-day, Pre-Conference Session provides a dedicated environment for Consortia Directors to build their capacity in understanding and implementing CAEP deliverables and governance, data utilization and reporting, and key initiatives driving adult learner success. This is a unique opportunity to build peer support through networking and shared learning. Whether you are a new or seasoned CAEP Consortium Director, we look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 CAEP Summit Directors’ Event!
Registration is available through the CAEP Summit CVENT site. Attendees can choose to register for the Directors’ Event only, the Directors' Event plus the CAEP Summit, or the CAEP Summit only.
For any questions regarding the CAEP Directors’ Event, reach out to us at ccctap@noce.edu.
