Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association - MACAE

10/15/2026

MACAE’s candidate roundtable is gaining national attention!

The National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE) recently featured MACAE’s legislative roundtable, highlighting the importance of putting adult learners at the center of advocacy.

We’re proud to see Michigan’s adult education community represented on a national stage and to continue elevating the voices of adult learners in conversations about policy and the future of adult education.

The Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association (MACAE), in partnership with Kent ISD, recently hosted a legislative roundtable that brought together more than 120 adult learners and four state legislative candidates representing the Grand Rapids region.

10/13/2026

Join MACAE on Thursday, October 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. for our upcoming webinar, “Michigan’s HSE Tester Pathway to a HSE Certificate, TotalTranscript™."

This session will explore Michigan’s unique option to navigate between the GED and HiSET test series and showcase how DiplomaSender’s innovative TotalTranscript™ brings test scores and credentialing together in one streamlined experience.

Participants will gain valuable insights into interpreting transcripts, understanding the credentialing process, and staying up to date on the latest Michigan HSE updates.

Participants can earn up to 1 SCECH for attending.

Register today: https://michiganadultcommunityalternativeeducationassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/xRFlmKaHMCYC7

10/08/2026

MACAE was proud to represent Michigan in Washington, D.C., during NAFTAE’s Flood the Hill event!

We joined adult education advocates from across the country to advocate for the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and to share why adult education matters — to learners, to our economy, and to communities across Michigan.

During our time on Capitol Hill, we met with staff from the offices of Representatives Tom Barrett, Jack Bergman, Tim Walberg, and Shri Thanedar, as well as Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring Michigan’s adult education perspective to Washington and continue advocating for the learners and programs we serve every day.

10/07/2026

Congratulations, Jay! We’re so proud to see your dedication to adult education recognized on the national stage. Well deserved! 🎉

One of the teachers at Eaton RESA Adult Education, Jay Marietti, was recently named one of the top 10 adult educators in the U.S. by the GED National Awards organization! This prestigious national recognition comes on the heels of Marietti being named the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education Association (MACAE) Outstanding Educator of the Year.

We're proud to have partners like Eaton RESA co-located in our offices, and even more proud of committed educators like Jay who make a difference in people's lives every day. Congrats! 🎉

10/02/2026

Adult learner voices matter.

MACAE recently partnered with Kent ISD to bring more than 120 adult learners together with four candidates from the Grand Rapids region: Abbie Groff-Blaszak, Rachel Crowther, Lynn Armoulis, and Carol Glanville.

Learners asked questions about adult education funding, childcare, housing, barriers to employment, and the cost of the GED—and shared their own experiences along the way.

Thank you to all four candidates for taking the time to listen, engage, and hear directly from the adult learners we serve. And thank you to Kent ISD for being such a great partner in making this event possible!

We’re proud to create opportunities for adult learners to participate in the civic process and make their voices heard. 💙

09/30/2026

Registration is OPEN for MACAE’s Annual Conference!

Join us November 10-13 in Muskegon for "Learning Without Limits", MACAE’s 2026 Annual Conference.

This year’s conference will bring adult and alternative education professionals from across Michigan together to learn, connect, share ideas, and explore new ways to expand pathways to success for our learners.

Expect engaging sessions, practical strategies, meaningful conversations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state.

We hope you’ll join us!

November 10-13, 2026
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center, Muskegon, Michigan

Register today: https://michiganadultcommunityalternativeeducationassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/g4Fa049tzCyCo



https://www.macae.org/annualconference

Join MACAE's Annual Conference to connect with industry leaders. Explore insights and networking opportunities at the Annual Conference.

09/29/2026

Join the Kalamazoo Literacy Council & Western Michigan University on Friday, October 9, 2026 for the Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium!

This one-day conference features insightful presentations offering innovative strategies and best practices for teaching adults. Attendees will gain practical tips and knowledge to engage and empower learners. Content includes a session on Dyslexia & the science of reading, inspiring confidence in adult readers, and using storytelling as a powerful literacy tool. You'll leave inspired and motivated.

Check out the full agenda and register by October 5 at kalamazooliteracy.org. This is a free, hybrid event and SCECHs are available. Refreshments are provided. All are welcome!

09/21/2026

MACAE is partnering with Belong – Northern Michigan Immigrant Inclusion Network to host a virtual training on October 8 focused on workforce development resources available to newcomers in Michigan.

Learn about state resources to help newcomers:
• Continue their education and training
• Evaluate educational credentials earned outside the U.S.
• Navigate licensing requirements to practice their professions in Michigan

Special guests from the Office of Global Michigan and LARA will join us for this training.

Thursday, October 8 | 1–2 p.m.
Register now: https://michiganadultcommunityalternativeeducationassociation.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Events/Register/mwFlkDWCmC3Ce

09/18/2026

When adults learn, families learn. When families thrive, communities grow. 💙

Adult education doesn’t just create opportunities for today—it can help break cycles of poverty, strengthen family connections, and open doors for the next generation.

During Adult Education & Family Literacy Week, we’re celebrating the powerful ripple effect of adult education and the lasting impact it can have across generations.

09/17/2026

🎉 Another proclamation to celebrate!

Thank you to Putnam Township for recognizing this week as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and for celebrating the impact adult education has on learners, families, and communities across Michigan. 📚💙

We’re grateful to communities like Putnam Township for supporting adult education!