On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Maine Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Maine Adult Education Association, hosted a celebration of adult education in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House. The event brought together educators, learners, state leaders, and partners from across Maine to highlight the powerful impact adult education has on individuals, communities, and the state’s economy.
Representatives from Maine’s nine adult education regional hubs, Maine Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Laura Fortman, Maine DOE Associate Commissioner of Public Education Megan Welter, members of the Maine DOE Adult Education Team, and members of the Maine Adult Education Association gathered from 8 a.m. to noon to share stories, data, and firsthand experiences that demonstrate the value of adult education.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 12,400 adults in Maine participated in adult basic education, high school completion, college preparation, and workforce training programs offered through 65 adult education programs statewide. In addition, more than 3,000 workforce certifications were awarded in high-demand fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial driving—representing a 15 percent increase over the previous year.
The event showcased how these programs help adult learners build foundational and occupational skills, opening doors to new opportunities and strengthening Maine’s workforce.
“In Maine, it’s estimated that every dollar invested in adult education returns approximately four to seven dollars to the state economy through increased wages, higher tax revenue, and reduced reliance on public assistance,” Maine DOE State Director of Adult Education Megan Dichter said, highlighting the broader economic impact of these investments. “It’s not theoretical. That’s driven by real outcomes. Adult education contributes to more Mainers entering and staying in the workforce.”
At the event, Maine DOL Commissioner Laura Fortman emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors.
“This is a system, and it does take all of us working together. Adult education is not simply about classes. It is a vital workforce pipeline. It connects education to employers and learning to real career opportunities in every corner of Maine’s economy, ” Fortman said.
Maine DOE Associate Commissioner of Public Education Megan Welter also spoke at the event, highlighting the vital role adult education plays within Maine’s broader education and workforce system.
“We’re getting to showcase the impact that adult education has on our state,” Welter said. “Adult learners are able to build their foundational and occupational skills…helping them advance in their work, support their families, and participate more fully in their communities.”
Welter also underscored the system’s importance and connectivity, explaining that “adult education is not a separate system…It is an integrated part of Maine’s education and workforce ecosystem,” creating clear pathways for learners to achieve their goals.
At the heart of the event were the voices of adult learners, whose stories brought the impact of these programs to life.
Questia Kabemba, a student at Lewiston Adult Education, shared a powerful sentiment about her journey:
“I stand here before you for reflection. I want you not just to remember my name, but I want you to remember what happens when opportunity meets someone who is ready to receive it.”
She described the welcoming and empowering environment at Lewiston Adult Education.
“At Lewiston Adult Education, I found more than just a building. I found a place where people like me were not defined by where we came from but rather where we could go,” Kabemba said. “We were not judged. Rather, we were given opportunity. We were welcomed with our accents, with our cultures, with our stories, and with our unfinished journeys.”
Kabemba added the opportunities at Lewiston Adult Education were life-changing.
“These are not just a list of accomplishments. These are transformations,” Kabemba said.
Brian O’Donnell, a student at Oxford Hills/Nezinscot Adult Education, shared how adult education continues to support learners at every stage of life.
“I have been employed in the construction industry for more than 50 years. I began my career in the plumbing trade and have held the master plumber’s license for 42 years. I believe the heat pump and solar panel technology training is a true asset to expand my knowledge and expertise to actively work to incorporate green technology to my resume,” O’Donnell said.
He also commented on the quality of instruction and hands-on learning: “The course was extremely instructive in introducing people unfamiliar as well as trained people…in construction safety, basic electrical knowledge, photovoltaic solar panel theory and installation, as well as heat pump theory and installation.”
O’Donnell expressed his appreciation for the accessibility of the program.
“The opportunity to access this course through a partnership of a federal government and state government grant was truly appreciated by all participants who attended the program,” O’Donnell said.
Together, these stories and perspectives underscore the critical role adult education plays in Maine—empowering individuals, strengthening families, supporting employers, and driving economic growth. As highlighted throughout the event, adult education is not only transforming lives but also building a stronger, more resilient Maine for the future.
Maine DOE Newsroom 