NAFTAE launches national adult education advocacy group

The National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education launched July 1, 2026, in Sycamore, Illinois, with a mission to strengthen public policy and amplify adult learners and educators. Erin Vobornik was named inaugural executive director to lead the new national advocacy effort.

Why it matters: - NAFTAE is entering a policy space that affects millions of adults seeking better education, jobs and economic mobility. - The group aims to give adult learners and educators a stronger national voice on funding, access and workforce policy. - NAFTAE says adult education should be treated as a core part of economic growth, workforce development, civic engagement and lifelong learning.

What happened: - The National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education launched July 1, 2026, in Sycamore, Illinois. - NAFTAE is a national advocacy organization focused exclusively on advancing adult education policy and elevating the voices of adult learners and educators. - Erin Vobornik was named NAFTAE's inaugural executive director. - NAFTAE positioned itself as a national voice bringing together educators, learners, workforce partners, state leaders, employers and policymakers.

The details: - Vobornik brings more than six years of national leadership experience in adult education advocacy and stakeholder engagement. - She led the State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship, which built a nationwide network of state advocacy leaders. - She directed the Ambassador Program, which helped adult learners and educators share their stories and advocate at the local, state and federal levels. - Vobornik also helped design and oversee Flood the Hill, an advocacy initiative that mobilizes adult education supporters to engage policymakers. - As executive director, Vobornik will oversee NAFTAE's advocacy agenda, including the fellowship, Ambassador Program, Flood the Hill, the Public Policy Pulse newsletter, advocacy alerts, action campaigns, policy research and partnerships. - Cathy Tyler, NAFTAE's founding board chair, said Vobornik's coalition building and leadership development experience make her the right person to lead the organization.

Between the lines: - NAFTAE is launching with a clear strategy: combine storytelling, coalition building and policy outreach instead of relying on a single advocacy channel. - The focus on state, federal and local engagement suggests the group wants to influence both funding decisions and broader public awareness. - The appointment of a leader with existing national networks should help NAFTAE move quickly from launch to organizing.

What's next: - NAFTAE plans to use advocacy alerts, action campaigns, research and partnerships to push for greater investment and visibility for adult education. - Vobornik said the organization will work with advocates nationwide to expand opportunity and create lasting change. - The organization will continue building support for adult education programs and the learners they serve.

The bottom line: - NAFTAE is launching as a dedicated national advocacy shop for adult education, and it is starting with an experienced organizer at the helm.