Preparing learners for family-sustaining work is a big part of adult education! We teach transitions or “soft” skills, digital literacy, and of course basic skills such as reading, writing, math and language. All of these key skills are defined in our content standards documents, and they are further detailed in our CCR Standards and the ACES resource libraries. In addition, in ABE programs throughout the state, these skills are often embedded in a specific career pathway, building students’ skills while preparing them for specific career advancement at the same time.
To address the many challenges in designing, implementing and sustaining effective adult career pathway (ACP) programs and partnerships, ATLAS provides professional development and resources for ABE managers and practitioners who are developing or strengthening career pathways for their students.
The cornerstone of our ACP offerings is the ACP resource library, providing over 50 (and growing!) vetted ACP curricula as well as a multitude of ACP program development tools. If you are teaching students in preparation for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, etc. – don’t recreate the wheel! You can start with an ACP curriculum from this collection and tweak for your context.
Professional development activities for Adult Career Pathways includes webinars and workshops at regional and statewide events on a variety of topics. Keep up with all things ACP-related by joining the ACP Networking group; details are below.
Based on input from the Adult Career Pathways Advisory Team, ATLAS offers a webinar series throughout the year to promote and support Adult Career Pathways (ACP) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Minnesota Adult Ed. Topics vary and are determined by the Advisory Team.
This online networking community of practice was established to connect administrators and instructors working on adult career pathways, and it serves as a forum for discussion among those working with ACPs statewide, as well as a hub announcements, resources, and webinar and in-person event information.
The ACP Professional Development (PD) Advisory Team is an ATLAS-sponsored team designed to strengthen Adult Career Pathways (ACP) work in Minnesota ABE through relevant, meaningful, and effective professional development for ABE teachers and managers.
The Team is responsible for visioning and implementing a long-term strategic plan for Adult Career Pathways PD in Minnesota, as well as specific tasks yearly to support current and forthcoming PD efforts such as offerings around establishing partnerships with local colleges and employers, reaching out to Local Workforce Development Boards, and recruiting ACP students.
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PD Catalog
For adult learners interested in healthcare careers, personal care assistant (PCA) / community first services and support (CFSS) training offers a fast and meaningful pathway to employment while developing valuable skills that can lead to future career opportunities. According to the Minnesota CareerForce, personal care assistants (aides) are currently in high demand and will continue to be for years to come. Read More
Get the latest updates on the Corequisite Partnerships work being done by representatives from Minnesota State and Minnesota Adult Education, as well as a recently adopted policy around course placement. Read More
Registration Deadline: WED. 7/22/26 Venue: Online (see details below) WebChat with MN ABE is a webinar discussion led by state ABE staff from the Minnesota Department of Education. WebChat webinars provide updates from the state ABE office on new and emerging issues and an opportunity for local ABE… Learn More
Registration Deadline: WED. 7/22/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Adult learners bring a range of experiences, learning needs, and emotional challenges. This session helps ABE volunteers and professionals recognize signs of mental health concerns and neurodivergence (like autism or ADHD) without stepping into diagnosis. You’ll learn practical, trauma-informed… Learn More
Registration Deadline: THU, 7/23/26 Venue: Online (see details below) Join members of LAN’s Legislative Committee to discuss how we advocate for Adult Education in MN! This is a chance to connect socially with other people in the field of Adult Education and brainstorm ideas for how we advocate for… Learn More
