COABE Regional Road Trip Highlights the Role of Adult Education in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Cheyenne, Wyoming – On July 16, the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) will visit Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne to emphasize the transformative power of adult education. This event aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on quality education, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities.

Event Details

• Date: July 16
• Time: 1–2 p.m.
• Location: ANB Bank Leadership Center, Clay Pathfinder Building, Room 108, LCCC Cheyenne Campus
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• Additional: Refreshments provided

Regional Road Trip Overview

The COABE road trip, running from July 7 to 24, covers eight states: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah (Salt Lake City), and Nevada. The tour culminates with a COABE board meeting and an event in collaboration with the National League of Cities in Nevada.

Objectives and Impact

1. Amplifying Voices and Building Partnerships

   COABE CEO Sharon Bonney emphasized the importance of face-to-face engagement with educators, students, and community leaders to strengthen partnerships and advocate for adult learners.

2. Addressing Workforce Shortages and Economic Inequality

   The organization focuses on adult education as a critical tool to combat workforce shortages and economic disparities, directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3. Promoting Lifelong Learning

   COABE supports programs that enable adults to earn high school equivalency credentials, improve literacy, develop job skills, and access postsecondary training, advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education).

4. Highlighting Success Stories

   The road trip spotlights local success stories to demonstrate the essential role of strategic investment in adult education for workforce development, economic mobility, and community resilience.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Enhancing adult literacy and educational attainment.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Preparing adults for meaningful employment and addressing workforce shortages.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Providing equitable access to education and training opportunities for underserved populations.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building collaborations among educators, community leaders, and policymakers.

Conclusion

The COABE regional road trip serves as a vital movement to elevate adult education’s role in sustainable development. By fostering partnerships and advocating for increased investment, COABE aims to empower adult learners and contribute to resilient, inclusive communities across the region.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – The article focuses on adult education, literacy improvement, and access to lifelong learning, which are central to this goal.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article highlights workforce development, job skills building, and economic mobility, linking to this goal.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing economic inequality and providing opportunities for adult learners supports this goal.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4 Targets:
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy.
2. SDG 8 Targets:
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
3. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators related to SDG 4:
   • Proportion of adults achieving literacy and numeracy skills (Indicator 4.6.1).
   • Participation rate of adults in formal and non-formal education and training (Indicator 4.3.1).
   • Number of adults earning high school equivalency credentials.
2. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • Employment rate of adults who have completed adult education programs.
   • Proportion of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment (Indicator 8.6.1).
3. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • Measures of economic inequality reduction among adult learners.
   • Access to education and training opportunities for marginalized groups.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wyomingnewsnow.tv