MACAE Response to COVID- 19: Coronavirus
Please click here for detailed documents and guidelines.
MACAE Updates on Social Media
Stay up to date with MACAE using the handle @macaetoday or Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There you will find the latest information and updates happening around the state with adult, alternative and community education!
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Newsletter Publications
MACAE Newsletter- January 2023
MACAE Newsletter- December 2021
MACAE Newsletter- September 2020
MACAE Newsletter- February 2020
MACAE Newsletter- January 2020
MACAE Newsletter- September 2019
If you have a news story you would like to share with the membership, please email macaeoutreach@gmail.com or macaeoffice@gmail.com, We will post on our social media or share in our monthly newsletter update.
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May 18, 2023
The Michigan Works! Association and the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association have released the following statement in response to House and Senate FY 24 Budget Bills
You can read the entire letter here: MWA-MACAE Shared Investments Response to FY24 Budget
May 18, 2023
Dear Michigan Senate and House Leadership, Appropriations and Subcommittee Chairs:
On behalf of the Michigan Works! Association (MWA) and the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association we would like to thank you and your colleagues for your continued work on the state budget for fiscal year 2024.
We are proud to serve the over 130 member agencies representing the Michigan workforce development and adult education system. In total, our services serve approximately 128,000 Michiganders on an annual basis to be taught, trained and tooled for success. By entering and completing our programs, Michiganders are filling high-need talent gaps and becoming certified in in-demand industries. Together, our programs serve some of the most important parts of our Michigan citizenry including dislocated workers, job seekers, those seeking higher educational attainment, underrepresented populations of color, returning citizens and more. We are also meeting the needs of employers as well as increasing the talent pool in our state.
Throughout the State Budget FY 2024 process we have shared our priorities with a variety of stakeholders. These recommendations are shaped by the boots on the ground experiences of members but first and foremost focused on the best outcomes for our clients- the learners and employers of Michigan.
As you continue in the budget process, we strongly encourage your continued support of these priorities to extend, enhance and transform the adult education and workforce development landscape in Michigan.
Going Pro Talent
- Support of the proposed $25 million increased investment in the Going Pro Talent Fund
Michigan Skills Grant
- Support of the Michigan Skills Grant as proposed by the House.
Michigan Reconnect
- Support expansion of the Michigan Reconnect program with efforts to reduce the eligibility age to 21 for all Michigan Reconnect participants, while maintaining active involvement in assisting applicants with other workforce services, including barrier removal, career coaching, and short-term skills scholarships
Adult Education Investment School Aid Act Section 107:
- Support of the Executive Budget recommendation for an increase In the State School Aid Act Section 107 for Adult Education Services as written. The House and Senate have proposed differing funding and we support the Executive Budget recommendation as written. Both of our associations will work with LEO to advise through policy on priority investment areas to increase partnership and innovation.
Adult Education Investment School Aid Act Section 107a Innovative Programs:
- Support of the Executive Budget recommendation for an increase In the State School Aid Act Section 107a innovative programming for Adult Education Services as written. We support the Executive Budget recommendation as written including the provisions that require eligible entities to partner with an existing Local Educational Agency of adult education services. Both of our associations will work with LEO to advise through policy on priority investment areas to increase partnership and innovation.
Nonprofit Adult Literacy Investment:
- Creation of the Adult Literacy Opportunity Fund as proposed by the House and Senate. This would accelerate more learners into our learning and training systems while prioritizing historically underrepresented populations.
Do we want to change the landscape? We can together. As you continue in the budget process we ask for your continued prioritization of these project areas to ensure our state has the top educated talent it needs in the 21st century.
In partnership,
Ryan Hundt
Chief Executive Officer
Michigan Works! Association
Patrick Brown
Executive Director,
Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association
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December 21, 2022
Dear Members and Partners:
At the end of December 2022, the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association’s longtime administrative assistant Judy Walker will retire.
Please see this special tribute to our friend and colleague Judy and a special message from Judy below.
Hi Everyone,
After 20 years, I wanted to share how much you all mean to me. Your kindness, support, and dedication will be with me always. I will miss helping you with registrations and getting answers to all of your questions. I will miss seeing you all, especially now that we are finally back in person. Thank you for your friendship over the many years. I have very much enjoyed my career at MACAE, and our mission of supporting adult ed, alternative ed and community ed creating an impactful cohesive framework at the state, local and federal levels. You will be in my fondest memories looking back.
With gratitude,
Judy
Thank you for your many years of faithful and dedicated service, Judy.
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September 18, 2022
Michigan Celebrates Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
September 18-24, 2022
Watch our quick informational session here!
It’s time to celebrate and raise awareness about adult education and family literacy. Here are five ways to share of the impact of adult education in Michigan.
Special thanks to Carrie Machkouri, Instructor at the Literacy Center of West Michigan and Michigan Coalition on Adult Basic Education SAAEF for assisting in the compilation of these materials.
1.Share the week on social media!
Please post any activities, pictures, events, or information on social media. Use the following hastags:
#AdultEdLiteracyWeek
#MIAEFL2022
#MIAdultEd2022
- Please tag us at MACAE on social media at @macaetoday
- Don’t have social media? Send your photos and updates to macaeoutreach@gmail.com
- Have Students Complete the “AEFL Photo Prompt”
Print out the attachment labeled “AEFL Photo Prompt” and have students respond to the prompt as part of a classroom or program activity! Snap a picture and start a conversation. You can also share some of this information on social media.
The beginning of a new program year is the perfect time to learn more about the participants enrolled in your program. These stories can be utilized in future conversations with policymakers or to highlight in program success stories.
- Communicate with your Partners and Community: Use the “Letter to Partners” Template
Take a moment to share with your community what is happening in your program so they can be informed about the significance of the week! Share with your broader organization leadership, community library or soup kitchens, local unemployment office, local school districts, newspaper publications, radio stations, etc.
- We’ve included a sample template /verbiage that you can use.
- Post about the latest facts in Michigan!
Share the latest fact sheet from COABE (Michigan | Educate & Elevate (educateandelevate.org) on adult education in Michigan. Also share specific statistics from your own program on number served, number of credentials awarded, number of parents, etc.
- Share how your program is has adjusted to programming in response to the COVID pandemic
- Describe what innovative changes you have implemented that are making a difference in the lives of staff and participants and families
- Encourage your participants to vote!
Everyone has a voice: Encourage your participants and families to register to vote!
MACAE encourages all member programs to take time for staff, participants and community partners to be
sure they are registered to vote. Voting is an essential part of our democratic process.
Here’s more information:
- Use the Michigan Voter Identification Center to get started: Register to vote (michigan.gov)
- To learn more about the complicated history of voting in the United States, please visit the Library of
Congress Website: The Founders and the Vote | The Right to Vote | Elections | Classroom
Materials at the Library of Congress | Library of Congress (loc.gov)
6.Join the COABE “Invest in the Midwest Virtual Rally for Adult Education
Please reserve your calendar for 11:00am-12:30pm on Tuesday, September 20th. MACAE will join the other states in the Midwest to virtually advocate for adult education. We will share about the impact of adult education in our state. Please join and consider livestreaming to your students as well. Michigan will present around 11:40am. Please register here.
Share this link with partners and anyone else interested in being a part of learning more about adult education in Michigan!
7.Update your Zoom Background!
Use one of the attached Zoom backgrounds to demonstrate your MACAE membership in meetings throughout the week and to highlight the importance of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week!
Questions can be sent directly to Patrick Brown, Executive Director at macaeoutreach@gmail.com
The Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association is the leading professional organization for over 400 adult, alternative, community education and integrated education and training professionals across the state. More information can be found at www.macae.org.
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August 8, 2022
Re: MACAE Announces Student Scholarship Essay Winners
Today, the Michigan Adult, Community and Alternative Education (MACAE) Association announces the winners of its 2022 Student Essay Scholarships.
Launched in 2022, the three scholarships are an opportunity to spotlight and highlight three outstanding students in the fields of adult education and alternative education.
Husam Mustafa won the 2022 MACAE English as a Second Language Essay Contest. The ESL scholarship highlights a deserving adult English Language Learner working to meet their educational or employment related goals. Mustafa enrolled in adult education ESL classes at Dearborn Community Education. By increasing his English proficiency, Husam plans to open his oen business.
Mckeena Cole, won the 2022 MACAE Alternative Education Essay Contest. The Alternative Education scholarship highlights a deserving youth from the class of 2022 that is graduating and pursuing additional educational or employment related goals. McKeena graduated from Plainwell Renaissance Alternative Education in June 2022 by completing her graduation requirements early and plans to attend postsecondary to pursue Veterinary Technician.
Daijah Atkinson, won the 2022 MACAE Michele Corey Adult Education Essay Contest. The Michele Corey scholarship, named posthumously for the statewide child advocate and former MACAE board member, highlights a deserving adult learner completing their high school equivalency in 2022 and pursuing additional education or employment related goals. “Coming into something new like this program can be very intimidating to some, but the instructors are there to help and inform you on anything you are having trouble with. I am beyond grateful and appreciative to be able to continue something I had little to no hope for,” Daiajh said. She is investigating pursuing a bachelors degree in business.
The essays submitted were evaluated on a common criterion. Each winner was selected on their overall quality submission and has been awarded a one-time $250 scholarship to pursue additional educational opportunities.
Tammy Brown, President of the MACAE Board of Directors said, “I am so proud of the programs, teachers, and students that promoted and participated in our first essay contests! This is not only a great opportunity for students to showcase their skills, but also a wonderful advocacy opportunity as we had state and local officials as judges. It is so important that we showcase what our students and programs are doing successfully! I am hoping we will get even more engagement this year as we adjust the timeline to earlier in the winter. It takes courage to step outside of one’s comfort zone and reflects our students’ resiliency. Congratulations again to our first winners and to all that submitted!”
We would like to extend our thanks to the following partners who assisted in evaluating the submitted essays including: Kari Hiner, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity; Kali Montgomery, Michigan’s Children; Jamie Jacobs, Michigan College Access Network; Ted Kroll, Livingston Educational Service Agency.
Once again, we would like to congratulate the 2022 MACAE Student Scholarship Essay recipients and wish them continued hard work and perseverance as they work toward their dreams.
Patrick Brown
MACAE Director
MACAE is the leading professional development and networking association for adult, alternative, and community education and integrated education and training professionals in Michigan. We provide professional development, best practices sharing and strategic planning support to our membership.
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MACAE Announces Board Members for 2022-23:
May 18, 2022
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News from MACAE:
July 13, 2021
MACAE Honors the life of Ken Walsh
MACAE, the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education, is sad to learn of the loss of Ken Walsh, former MACAE Executive Director and lifelong advocate for adult education.
Ken Walsh had an extensive background and professional experience in education. His career led him to serve as a Supervisor of Adult Extended Learning within the Michigan Department of Education, Educational Consultant and Executive Director of MACAE.
His voice and body of work were important to the growth of the MACAE organization and to the field of adult education. One of his primary pieces of work was on the organization of Section 107 language for the delivery of adult education services in Michigan.
To learn more about Ken’s life, please see the attached tribute with words of reflections from colleagues and friends. Our condolences go out to Ken’s family.
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Friday, April 2, 2021
MACAE mourns the loss of Michele Corey, statewide advocacy champion, colleague and friend
Dear Members and Partners:
It is with great sadness, on behalf of MACAE and the Board of Directors, that I write to you today to announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend Michele Corey.
Michele’s impact on public policy in Michigan was monumental in many ways and she was a strong advocate and supporter for MACAE. As the Vice President of Programming at Michigan’s Children, she served as an Ex-Officio member of our Board for nearly a decade.
Michele contributed to MACAE in a variety of ways- conducting various workshops, inviting us to meetings with key policymakers, organizing Student Speak events, legislative conversations, helping facilitate our board strategic planning, advocacy alerts and more. Whenever you left a conversation with Michele you knew that with the right people in the room, anything was possible. She really felt strongly that MACAE had an important role to play in statewide and national conversations about adult education, early childhood investment and workforce readiness. Her voice was really important for us.
Michele was an integral part in working with the MACAE Board in 2017 to create a shared Communications and Outreach position between the two organizations. This relationship has only grown stronger in the succeeding years.
Tammy Brown, our current President shared her reflections on the life and legacy of Michele: “Michele was not only a passionate advocate but one of the kindest people I have ever met. It is such a loss to all that she supported. My heart goes out to her friends and family. She will be desperately missed by all who were blessed to meet her.”
Vice President of MACAE Karyn Goven commented on the visionary impact of Michele’s influence at MACAE: “In life, you meet people who inspire or make you want to become better in what you do, and Michele Corley was that person. Michele was the type of person who motivated everyone to look at the whole picture of Adult Education and how our programs intertwine with our students’ traumatic experiences. She promoted Family Speak and Student speak so the voices of those who do not have an advocate can be heard. She was so positive about MACAE and Patrick because she knew the impact we can make in people’s lives. Michele always worked hard and was so knowledgeable about what is happening surrounding the world of children and how it correlates to Adult Education. It was because of her leadership that I decided to retool what I do about job training, literacy, education, and data. I hope that she knows the impact she has made in our lives because her vision and work carry on in Adult Education today.”
Bob Steeh, longtime Past President worked closely with Michele for a number of years and considered Michele a friend. “Michele fought for laws and policies that would better peoples’ lives. Her life’s work was to help those in need. Our lives will be empty in the areas that Michele had brightened for us. Michele had a tremendous passion to work for those people confronted with barriers that inhibited their ability to succeed or improve their life. She taught MACAE how to advocate and gave us her knowledge and expertise in working with legislators and policy makers. Michele was a strategic thinker, who was compassionate, kind and creative. She showed us the importance of bringing groups together to connect the dots and frame our arguments for or against a proposed bill. Michele always worked hard to make sure we had a voice at the table, to tell the stories that have benefited a person’s life through adult education. The one word that Michele lived by was giver. She helped us plan and execute a student speak program, would coordinate meetings with legislators and policy makers to tell our stories; she gave us invaluable advice as to strategies for advocating for adult education. She is one of a kind and we will miss her.”
Peter Ruark from the Michigan League for Public Policy who worked closely with Michele to advocate for adult education shared, “I knew Michele prior to my involvement with MACAE, as she and I sometimes crossed paths in our respective positions at Michigan’s Children and Michigan League for Public Policy, but it was in the area of adult education in which I worked most closely with her. She was very dedicated and knowledgeable, and always had a kind smile when I saw her. I will miss her greatly!”
Oogie La Mar, Advocacy Chair reflected on Michele’s legacy and friendship, “Michele has had a great influence on the way that MACAE communicates with legislators and other influencers throughout adult education and literacy circles. She will truly be missed – but never forgotten. Such a POWERFUL woman! With the superpowers of kindness, compassion, knowledge and friendship.”
Michele was an extraordinary person. She was someone who believed that anyone had the capacity to use their voice for change. She would often say that if something was right then we should see it through, even if it took several weeks or several decades.
One of the last conversations I had with Michele was around a policy issue for kids and families and she shared, “I will keep fighting until I can’t anymore.” I’m not sure either of us expected those words to ring so true, so soon.
Simply put, Michele was a force for good. She was a champion, an advocate, a friend. While her voice is gone, her legacy reverberates.
This is a loss we feel strongly at MACAE. Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the Michigan’s Children staff and to Michele’s family- husband Tom, daughters Madonna and Sarah, sons Jacob and Andrew, her grandchildren and extended family.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Michele’s honor we would recommend donating to the work of Michigan’s Children on her behalf.
Our best this Easter weekend to you all,
Patrick Brown
Director, MACAE
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February 4, 2021
Re: Honoring K. Hugh Rohrer
MACAE is sad to announce that we learned this week of the passing of past member and lifelong educator K. Hugh Rohrer in August 2020. Hugh was born in Detroit on Groundhog Day in 1932. After his service in the Korean War, he finished his Bachelors and Masters degrees and became an elementary school teacher, then Community School Director for the Flint Schools and eventually the Vice Principal of Garfield Elementary School. He became a Fellow for Community Education at the Mott Foundation and spent ten years as Director of the Center for Community Education based at Alma College, the dawn of a long career developing and promoting the concept of community education throughout the state of Michigan and beyond.
Hugh was also Professor/Advisor in the Department of Education at Central Michigan University. He published several articles and received numerous accolades, which included induction into both the National Community Education Association Hall of Fame and the Michigan Education Hall of Fame.
Bob Steeh, Past President of MACAE said, “Hugh was my advisor while at CMU, and was instrumental in my first position in community education for Brighton Area Schools. Hugh had an open-door policy and always gave of his time to all students. He truly believed in the concept of community education and the benefits it could bring to the classroom, school district and community. When you think of the voices and pillars of community education and its development: Charles Stewart Mott, Frank Manley, Jack Minzey, Clyde LeTarte, Dan Cady; Hugh Rohrer is certainly part of that club. He guided many students going into education and encouraged many to think beyond just the four walls of the classroom, (including me).”
Tammy Brown, President of MACAE had this to say, “Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of K. Hugh Rohrer. He was a long standing MACAE member and a pioneer of community education. His impact is still felt today at the local, state and national level. We will be forever grateful for his dedication to Community Education here in Michigan.”
Hugh attended a number of our MACAE Conferences and gave several keynote addresses. He was awarded the MACAE Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions in the field of education and lifetime commitment to MACAE and community education.
Our thoughts go out to Hugh’s family, especially his son Jeff who was also a member of MACAE and worked in adult and community education.
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September 16, 2020
MACAE Response to Futures for Frontliners Program Launch
Last week, the Governor announced the Futures for Frontliners (Futures) program to provide tuition free access to community college for Michiganders without high school credentials and college degrees who have worked in frontline jobs in essential industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program, delivered through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, is a divided into a two-path system: Path 1 for Frontline workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent and Path 2 for Frontline workers who need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent.
To be eligible for either Path, an individual must be a Michigan resident and have worked in an essential industry at least half-time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2020. Frontline workers in Path 1 that do not have a high school diploma or equivalency must be 18 years of age and not currently enrolled in high school to participate.
This is an exciting opportunity for our state, for Michiganders looking to increase their educational attainment and skills and for community partners invested in adult skill building and credential attainment. Particularly, the inclusion of those individuals without a high school diploma or credential. Through the Futures for Frontliners Program, we will be able to ensure that we can not only help adults earn a diploma or credential but also earn an industry- recognized certification in a high need, in demand job.
MACAE has been a strong advocate for increased opportunities for investment in the adult population in our state without a high school diploma or equivalent and we are happy to see that a large part of the $24 million dedicated to this programming is to reach those individuals. Over the last few months, we have had continued conversations with policymakers, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to articulate the extraordinary needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized families and adults across the state.
These conversations have had a positive impact on the creation of Path 2 in the Futures for Frontliners Program.
This investment in education and career attainment is a good first step. We are ensuring an opportunity for more of our fellow citizens to have access to education and career opportunities. In turn, this program will positively impact thousands of adults, children and families across our state.
As a part of its ongoing mission, MACAE is launching a series of Informational Learning Sessions for Adult Education Providers and invested groups to learn more about the program with the first sessions on September 16 and September 30th.
Additionally, over the next few months MACAE will continue to work with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to analyze the impact on adults without a high school diploma or credential.
What can you do to help? Share information about the program. Reach out to individuals you know that might qualify. Together, we can continue to connect our neighbors, community members and friends to this important programming.
More information and registration on the Futures for Frontliners Program can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/frontliners
The Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education is the leading professional organization for over 350 adult, alternative, community education and workforce development professionals across the state. More information can be found at www.macae.org.
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MACAE Announces New Leadership and Roles for 2020-2021
June 18, 2020
The Michigan Association of Community and Adult Education is announcing several exciting leadership changes to be in effect on July 1st.
Tammy Brown will assume the role of President of the Board of Directors of MACAE. Bob Steeh will now assume the role of Past President. We thank him for his many years of service to MACAE.
Tammy currently serves as the Director of Continuing Education at Troy Public Schools. In this capacity she oversees adult ESL/ABE/HSE/HSC instruction and workforce readiness, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education(IELCE), and Integrated Education and Training (IET) for over 600 participants along with middle and high school summer school district programming administering over 1600 summer classes. She was the President of Oakland County Community and Adult Educators (OCCAE) for the past 8 years, transitioning to the Legislative representative for 2020-21. Tammy also sits on the Oakland County Career and Educational Advisory Council (CEAC) and is part of an ongoing Oakland County Strategic Planning committee. She stated “I am very excited for the new challenges this position entails, and very grateful that Bob will be continuing as an active member to support the transition. Taking over this presidency during a world-wide pandemic brings with it even more challenges than expected, but I am ready to do the work needed to support our members to the best of my ability. Fortunately, MACAE has amazing board members and staff with the same mentality, we are ready to do the work, and I have a very strong staff in Troy to continue our work there when I am supporting MACAE. I am honored with the trust our members have placed in my hands and hope all members know that they can come to MACAE with any challenges and/or innovative ideas and we will be there to help them succeed!”
In more leadership news, the MACAE Board of Directors voted unanimously at its June 2020 board meeting to select Patrick Brown as its new Director effective July 1st. Tammy said “Patrick has been such a successful Outreach Coordinator that we felt it was time to promote him to Director. This will strengthen opportunities for Patrick to grow MACAE’s partnerships while keeping MACAE focused on its strategic plan. I am thrilled to take on this new role with him by my side. As most of you already know, he has an amazing work ethic, is proactive and thoughtful in his planning, and a caring listener. He is so supportive of all members and their needs.”
In addition, newly elected and appointed officers of the Board include Karyn Goven (Southwest Solutions) as Vice President, Renae Gowen (Romulus Adult Education) as Professional Development Chair, Heather Robidoux (Michigan Works! Southeast) as Networking Chair, Maha Makki (Dearborn Adult and Community Education) as Region 6 Representative, Charlie Wynne (Plainwell Adult Education) as an At-Large Representative, Shelley Hanson (Swan Valley Adult, Alternative and Community Education) as At-Large Representative and Kelly Vella (Huron Valley Adult and Alternative Education) as At-Large Representative/Treasurer.
Continuing on the board are Oogie LaMar (Kent ISD Adult Education) as Advocacy Chair, Bill Henry (Consolidated Community Schools) as Region 1 Representative, Tina Williams (Iosco RESA Adult and Alternative Education) as Region 2 Representative, Brenda Baker (Fruitport Adult and Alternative Education) as Region 3 Representative, Stacie Zeien (Mt. Pleasant Community Education) as Region 4 Representative, Connie Cox (Milan Community Education) as Region 5 Representative.
Please welcome our new MACAE Leadership.
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