About

EdAdvance Adult & Continuing Education is a state and locally funded program dedicated to providing no-cost educational opportunities for adult learners in 25 towns across Connecticut.

Our program offers state-mandated courses in Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Citizenship Preparation, and three High School Completion program options - the Credit Diploma Program (CDP), the National External Diploma Program (NEDP), and GED® preparation.

In addition, we offer a diverse range of fee-based adult enrichment courses in areas such as Arts & Crafts, Computers & Technology, Financial Planning & Retirement, Fitness, Home Improvement, Languages, Music & Dance, Health, Wellness & Personal Development, Recreation & Leisure, and Trips & Tours, promoting lifelong learning and personal growth within the communities we serve.

Mission

Our mission is to promote the success of adults in the communities we serve by providing high-quality educational services, fostering collaborative partnerships, and supporting lifelong learning. We are committed to helping meet the diverse needs of our students and their families and driving innovation to ensure every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

We actively listen to, engage with, and learn from our colleagues within the agency and our constituents across the region and state. This fosters and strengthens partnerships, leading to true understanding of our region.

Connection

Being part of something bigger than yourself.
Commitment and focus on the agency’s mission.
Treating others the way you would like to be, or expect to be, treated.
Always having each other’s back.
Working with a sense of pride and belonging.
A collaborative environment built on trust and the pursuit of a common good and goal.
A willingness to communicate, collaborate, and interact in a positive and culturally responsive manner.
Retaining qualified and committed talent.

What it looks like...

We strive to achieve “Systemness”, where everyone embraces and is committed to the success of our agency as a whole. This internal climate of cooperation is evident to our school district and community partners.

Culture

Building quality relationships both internally and externally.
Engaging with, listening to, and learning from colleagues and constituents.
Exploring and encouraging partnerships inside and outside the agency.
Meetings with a purpose, agenda, outcomes, and effective facilitation.
Consistent and transparent outreach to both employees and customers.
Regular and meaningful in-person contact.
Ensuring that communication in all its forms is a reciprocal, engaging process.

What it looks like...

We focus on “Culture” and “Connection” to increase our capacity to provide flexible solutions, services, and supports tailored to the unique needs of the school districts and communities we serve and at the level of excellence they expect

Customization

Always finding a way to get to “yes” by never starting with “no.”
Reaching across the agency to gather the necessary resources to meet customer needs and expectations.
Attracting and hiring qualified and committed talent at all levels.
Listening to the needs of stakeholders and colleagues, and responding directly to them.
Providing a range of options and solutions.
Remembering being right is NOT a strategy.
Understanding that meeting customer needs is synonymous with agency, program, and individual success.