Speaker on national tour to highlight adult education’s power during LCCC stop

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – As millions of Americans seek new opportunities through adult education, a national organization will be coming to Laramie County Community College to spotlight the stories and systems that will help them succeed. The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) will visit LCCC’s Cheyenne campus on July 16 to host a conversation on the transformation of adult education.

Sharon Bonney, the coalition’s CEO, will speak from 1–2 p.m. at the ANB Bank Leadership Center in the Clay Pathfinder Building, room 108. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

The stop is part of a regional road trip taking place July 7–24, with stops in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Salt Lake City before concluding in Nevada at a COABE board meeting and event with the National League of Cities.

“The road trip is more than just a journey – it’s a movement to shine a spotlight on the power of adult education,” Bonney said of her tour. “By meeting face-to-face with educators, students and community leaders across the region, we’re amplifying voices, building partnerships and advocating for the investment our learners deserve.”

COABE’s focus is to elevate the role of adult education in addressing workforce shortages, economic inequality and access to lifelong learning. The organization represents more than 79,000 adult educators nationwide and supports programming that helps adults earn high school equivalency credentials, improve literacy, build job skills and access postsecondary training.

“The road trip offers a rare opportunity to witness the impact of adult education firsthand,” Bonney said. “As we travel through eight states, we’re highlighting success stories, elevating local voices and demonstrating why strategic investment in adult education is essential to workforce development, economic mobility and community resilience.”