Nominate Your Business Partners for Recognition!

The submission form for the IAACE Business Partner Recognition is now open!
Visit iaace.com/business-and-industry-partnership to submit your nomination today for them to be recognized at Adult Education Day — January 28, 2026!

This recognition honors the businesses that exceed expectations in supporting adult education and workforce development in Indiana. These are the employers who understand that education is the foundation for a strong workforce, and they’re taking action.

Why This Matters

Adult education doesn’t happen in a vacuum. When local businesses offer on-site HSE (High School Equivalency) classes, provide workforce education initiatives, mentorship programs, internships, or employment pathways, they are helping to open new doors for adult learners. These efforts not only help individuals succeed, but they also proactively build stronger, more skilled communities and economies.

By participating in the recognition program, you’re doing two important things:

1. Honoring your partners,  acknowledging their time, talent, resources, and commitment.

2. Educating our legislators and stakeholders, showing how adult education providers and business/community partners are teaming up to make a real difference in Indiana.

Who Should Be Recognized?

Think about the businesses or organizations in your community that:

• Host HSE or adult education classes onsite for your students.

• Collaborate with your program on workforce training or career-pathway initiatives.

• Offer internships, apprenticeships, or job-placement support for adult learners.

• Demonstrate a sustained commitment to adult education and upgrading skill sets.

How to Submit

The submission form is now open. Head over to the IAACE site to complete your nomination. It is on the Advocacy page that you’ll find the deadline and instructions: //iaace.com/business-and-industry-partnership/
The deadline to submit nominations is January 9, 2026.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Essay Contest

While you’re busy identifying those business and industry partners, remember that the IAACE Essay Contest is also underway. This is another fantastic way to involve your staff, instructors, and learners in celebrating adult education and engagement.
Essay deadline: December 15, 2025.
Encourage learners and instructors to participate and share their voices.

Get Started Today

• Pull together a list of businesses/organizations your program works with.

• Highlight what they do, how they partner, and the impact on adult learners.

• Complete the nomination form for each partner you’d like to recognize.

• Share the opportunity with colleagues, learners, and community stakeholders to get broad engagement.

Let’s use January 28 to celebrate the collaborative spirit of adult education, and to highlight how business + education partnerships are making real change. Save the date: Wednesday, January 28th, for Adult Education Day at the North Atrium of the Indiana Statehouse. Remember the theme for the day is Crossroads to Opportunity: Where Learning Meets Life.
Questions, Thoughts? Please ask and share!

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn