About Us

Our purpose is to provide leadership in advancing the concept of lifelong learning, and to conduct, promote, and sponsor professional development conferences and activities. CAACE is the only adult education professional organization that advocates for continued and increased Federal and State adult education funding.

CAACE currently has over one thousand registered professional members from 52 programs across the state, serving over 20,000 adult learners in basic academic education, English language, citizenship and high school completion. We also provide career navigation, workforce readiness and digital literacy education through all of our programs.

Our History

The Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education, CAACE, was incorporated in 1989 as a successor to The Connecticut Association of Public School Adult Education, CAPSAE. CAPSAE was a loosely organized association of public school adult education directors and staff. It held an annual conference and membership meeting and served the needs and interests of public school adult educators. Among those directors who were in leadership positions during the 1970’s and early 1980’s were Gerry Nolan of Hamden, Joe Giorgio of Fairfield and Walt Zielinski of Valley Regional Adult Education.

The scope of issues facing adult education changed, however, in the 1980’s. Additional providers entered the picture, funding issues became more complex, and Connecticut was awarded the 1991 COABE Conference. CAPSAE leaders decided to broaden the membership categories to include non profit providers and to incorporate as a non- profit organization This required that we adopt a new name and set of by-laws and that we file audited financial reports at the close of each fiscal year. Initial CAACE incorporators included Tony Sabilia of New London, Art Muldowney of Middletown, Nancy Olds, New Haven and Thomas O’Neil, Bridgeport. Today, CAACE is the undisputed leader in advocacy for adult education and in providing ongoing support and professional developed for Connecticut adult educators.