Recognizing that adult learners are the backbone of the U.S. economy, CAEL helps forge a clear, viable connection between education and career success, providing solutions that promote sustainable and equitable economic growth. CAEL opens doors to opportunity in collaboration with workforce and economic developers; postsecondary educators; employers and industry groups; and foundations and other mission-aligned organizations. By engaging with these stakeholders, we foster a culture of innovative, lifelong learning that helps individuals and their communities thrive. Established in 1974, CAEL, a Strada Education Network affiliate, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization.
About Us
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national nonprofit working to improve education-to-career pathways for adult learners. We help organizations succeed by providing expertise, resources, and innovative solutions that effectively support adult learners as they navigate on- and off-ramps between education and employment.


Engaging at national, state, and local levels, we help link learning and work to create lifelong pathways for adults

Discover what guides us

Mission
Every adult has a pathway to lifelong learning and meaningful work.

Vision
CAEL envisions a world with continuous and accessible opportunities for adult learners to gain work-relevant knowledge, skills, and credentials -- enabling all to prosper in a complex world.
Our Expertise
Our expertise encompasses credit for prior learning (including the prior learning assessment process), developing strategies aligned to education options and labor market needs, mapping career pathways for adult learners, and developing policies and processes to support long-term sustainability of partner programs.

More from CAEL

Our Team
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Careers
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Want to learn more? Let's talk.
If your institution or organization is seeking guidance, solutions, or support from CAEL, or if you have an idea for a future collaboration initiative with us, please reach out. We'd love to connect.
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