Professional Organizations

The following organizations provide support and resources that you may find useful for your work in adult higher education.

The Adult Education Network (AEDNET) is an international network of individuals interested in adult education. The network is operated through a listserv that enables subscribers to share information. Researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in adult and continuing education are provided with opportunities to discuss important topics and concerns in an on-line environment.

AllConferences.com is a directory focusing on conferences, conventions, trade shows, exhibits, workshops, events and business meetings.

American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provides leadership in advancing adult education as a lifelong learning process and serves as a central forum for adult and continuing education special interest groups. The association works to stimulate local, state, and regional adult continuing education efforts; encourage mutual cooperation and support; monitor proposed legislation and offer testimony to Congress.

The American Council on Education (ACE) is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions. ACE represent the presidents of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions, which include two- and four-year colleges, private and public universities, and nonprofit and for-profit entities. ACE is involved in representing higher education interests before governmental committees and agencies.

Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) is an international partnership of students, academic professionals, institutions and organizations whose mission is to encourage and coordinate support, education and advocacy for the adult learning community.

Commission of Professors of Adult Education (CPAE) focuses on five purposes for the commission and to support their members. The work of CPAE strengthens and supports adult education programs and works to disseminate resources. The commission provides professional development of adult education professors. CPAE studies and disseminates positions on social issues related to adult education, and encourages critical reflection and dialogue in the field.

Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national organization dedicated to expanding lifelong learning opportunities for adults. Through collaboration with educational institutions, industry, government, and labor. CAEL promotes learning as a tool to empower people and organizations.

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a national information system designed to provide users with ready access to an extensive body of education-related literature. ERIC, established in 1966, is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Research and Improvement, and the National Library of Education.

The National Library of Education (NLE) was created in 1994 with a collection of materials dating to 1872. Although the library focuses on education, it also serves as a federal depository for many of the U.S.A. government agencies.