Adult Learners Are Ready. Are Our Systems?

Adult learners bring valuable experience and clear goals, yet they too often encounter systems not designed for their lives. Discover how institutions can create more responsive pathways to opportunity and mobility. 

In this 30-minute webinar, WestEd adult education experts Dr. Meghan McBride and Debi Pezzuto will examine how educators and system leaders can move beyond access to support adult learners’ persistence, completion, transition, and economic mobility. Drawing on her experience as a former adult learner, teacher, community college leader, and statewide technical assistance provider, Dr. McBride and Pezzuto will share practical strategies for designing flexible learning experiences, responsive supports, and connected career pathways.

Participants will consider how data, partnerships, career navigation, and recognition of prior learning can reduce friction across the learner journey and leave with a framework for identifying meaningful changes within their own organizations, communities, and partnerships. 

Who Should Attend?

• Adult education instructors, administrators, and program directors from adult schools, community colleges, and community-based organizations 
• Community college leaders, faculty, advisors, counselors, and career education professionals 
• Workforce development leaders, career navigators, and workforce board staff 
• State and local education agency leaders 
• Employer and industry partners involved in education and workforce pathways 
• Policymakers, advocates, and researchers focused on adult education and economic mobility 

Session Discussion Topics

• Designing programs around adult learners’ strengths, goals, and life circumstances 
• Identifying and reducing friction across the adult learner journey 
• Supporting persistence through flexibility, belonging, and responsive services 
• Recognizing and building upon adults’ prior learning and experience 
• Creating connected education and career pathways 
• Using data and partnerships to improve learner outcomes and economic mobility 

Featured Speakers

Dr. Meghan McBride is Director of Adult Education Projects at WestEd, where she leads initiatives focused on education, workforce pathways, postsecondary transitions, and economic mobility. A former adult learner, teacher, and community college vice president, she brings more than 20 years of experience translating policy, research, and data into practical strategies for educators and system leaders. McBride also serves as Vice President of the National Coalition for Literacy and is committed to expanding opportunity for adults. 

Debi Pezzuto supports adult education consortia across California through data-informed strategies to improve programs. Her expertise includes English as a second language, high school equivalency, adult basic education, student transitions, Integrated Education and Training (IET), and WIOA Title II. Before joining WestEd, Debi was the Student Services Coordinator for Truckee Meadows Community College’s Adult Basic Education program, where she led outreach, advising, enrollment, and IET program and curriculum development. She has a BA in English from California State Sacramento and an AA in English from Cosumnes River College.