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2023 Outstanding Learner of the Year
Every year, COABE presents one adult learner with the Outstanding Learner of the Year Award. Students are recommended by their teachers and program staff, and a committee reviews every application to choose the winner. Winners of this award are those who have shown leadership in the field who use their story to raise awareness about the impact of adult education. The winner not only receives a cash prize of $2,000, but they are also flown to the COABE National Conference, with an expense paid hotel room, to share their amazing story with everyone attending.
Read on to hear what Mallory Balch, COABE’s 2023 Outstanding Learner of the Year, said about her experience:
“The money I won from the Adult Learner of the Year award was truly a blessing, because even though I work, sometimes that just isn’t enough. I was able to use that money to get financially caught up and even put some money into a savings account! Not only did the award help financially, but I was able to connect with and meet some amazing people! In fact, I’ve had people reach out wanting me to share my story with people in other programs to inspire learners to reach their goals.
The award also helped me become more confident about myself and the way I see myself now. I was always, in a way, embarrassed of my past, but now I see myself in a different light, a bright light! I also got to experience things I never thought I would—like flying on the plane for my first time, and staying at such an amazing hotel! The whole experience was truly such an honor that I will NEVER FORGET! Thank you for all the amazing work you do!”
-Mallory Balch, Outstanding Learner of the Year Recipient
You Can Be an Adult Learner of the Year!
Want to be the 2024 Outstanding Learner of the Year, receive $2,000, and fly to Nashville for the National Conference in March 2024? Encourage your teacher or program to nominate you by Nov 15, 2023! Read more about the guidelines.
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