KAEA 2025

As a first-time instructor in Adult Education, Carl Silva recognized the transformative power of peer support and set out to establish a one-of-a-kind student organization tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. This initiative resulted in the creation of the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) student organization, a club designed to foster a supportive community where students can connect, collaborate, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the journey to creating ACE, detailing the step-by-step process and timeline of its development. Attendees will gain insight into the initial vision for the organization, the challenges encountered, and the strategies used to engage stakeholders and secure student buy-in. The presentation will also review ACE's mission, bylaws, and the guiding principles that shape its purpose. In addition, the session will highlight the methods used to market the organization to adult learners and the broader community, including outreach efforts, promotional materials, and communication strategies. Key yearly activities and future goals of the organization will be outlined to showcase how ACE fosters meaningful engagement and provides valuable student support. By sharing this process, we hope other programs can consider developing similar initiatives, empowering adult learners through community-building and mutual support.