Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education

08/04/2026

🏆 Winners will be recognized during the Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education (OAACE) Conference Award Luncheon, and their information will also be submitted for consideration for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) Outstanding Adult Learner and Teacher awards.

Click on the following link to nominate an Outstanding Adult Educator of the Year:
🔗https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xPz4UNiUB0-E6zbtV8fIoouZTpytswJAvchypq7pHXNURFVZQkw2OE8wU0k0UUFFOTVHREVPVkFCNC4u

Click on the following link to nominate an Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year:
🔗https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xPz4UNiUB0-E6zbtV8fIoouZTpytswJAvchypq7pHXNUNjhHQThRNkpJOFhEM09FVkxBNzZLMDA0Vy4u

08/04/2026

OAACE Adult Education Director

Justin Smith serves as the Aspire Coordinator for Columbus City Schools, where he leads efforts to support adult learners in achieving educational and workforce goals through Ohio’s Aspire program. With nine years of experience in adult education, Justin brings both program-level leadership and statewide policy experience to his work.

Prior to his current role, Justin served as an Aspire Program Manager with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, where he supported adult
education programs across the state. In this capacity, he worked closely with
local Aspire providers to strengthen program implementation, provide technical
assistance, and support data-driven decision making.

A key area of focus in Justin’s work has been assisting Ohio Aspire programs with
LACES data management and reporting. He has provided ongoing training and support to program staff across the state, helping ensure accurate data collection, compliance with state and federal requirements, and improved program outcomes for adult learners.

Through his service and leadership, Justin remains committed to strengthening
Ohio’s adult education network, supporting program professionals, and advancing
opportunities for adult learners throughout the state. As a member of the OAACE State Board, he hopes to continue fostering collaboration, professional development, and innovation within Ohio’s adult education community.

08/03/2026

To Register: https://www.oaace.org/conference/

07/31/2026

The OAACE planning commitee met virtually this afternoon. We are excited for this year's one day conference that will be held on Thursday, October 22 at the OCLC Conference Center in Dublin, Ohio. Registration will open soon. https://www.oaace.org/conference/

07/30/2026

07/30/2026

Salome Harris, OAACE Secretary
Aspire Director at Tri-C

Salome Harris is a Program Director with the Ohio Options for Adults Program at Cuyahoga Community College, where she supports Aspire program operations across several campus and community sites. With nearly 30 years of experience in both K–12 and adult education, Salome has spent her career helping learners find new opportunities and build brighter futures through education. She began her work in the K–12 school system, where she developed a strong instructional practice, student support strategies, and family engagement experience. That experience along with her own personal story continues to shape the way she approaches adult education today—putting people first and removing barriers so students can succeed.

In 2025, Salome received the OAACE Administrator of the Year Award, recognizing her leadership, dedication, and impact on adult learners. She is an active member of both OAACE and COABE, staying involved in efforts that strengthen adult education across Ohio and beyond. Salome also served as the first SAEEF advocate for Ohio. Outside of work, Salome loves spending time with her grandchildren and has a heart for global service. She has led mission trips to Kenya, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and many other places, building relationships and supporting communities around the world. One of her greatest joys in life is coffee!

07/29/2026

Marquita Mitchell, OAACE Treasurer
Executive Director, Project Learn of Summit County

07/28/2026

Mary Murphy, OAACE Vice President
Aspire Coordinator for Lorain County Community College

07/27/2026

The 2026 OAAC fall conference will be a one day event that you won't want to miss! Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 22nd. Registration will open soon!

07/24/2026

❤️🤍💙Virtual ASVAB Prep Classes ❤️🤍💙

📅October 27 - December 17
⏰5:00 - 8:00 PM

To Register:
🔗https://www.midohioadulteducation.com/programs/college-career-ready/

Class Requirements:
1. Must be at least 19 years old or have graduated high school.
2. Must have a computer with a web camera.