Senator Todd Young Recognized for Ongoing Support of Adult Education
Senator Todd Young, who has represented Indiana in the U.S. Senate since 2017, was recently recognized with the Legislative Champion Award by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), a national organization advocating for adult literacy and workforce development programs.
The award honors lawmakers who have consistently supported adult education through legislative efforts, funding advocacy, and public awareness. Senator Young’s involvement in this area spans several years.
Since 2020, Senator Young has co-led the annual bipartisan Senate letter requesting continued federal investment in adult education programs. This annual effort has helped sustain funding levels for services that support adult learners across the country.
In addition to appropriations advocacy, Senator Young was an original cosponsor of the Adult Education WORKS Act introduced in 2022 and the Strengthening Research in Adult Education Act introduced in 2021. Both bills aim to improve adult education systems through research, innovation, and accountability.
In 2023, Senator Young partnered with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to establish the U.S. Senate Caucus on Adult Literacy. The caucus serves as a platform for lawmakers to discuss policy options and highlight the needs of adult learners. Several provisions from the Adult Education WORKS Act were later incorporated into the WIOA reauthorization bill, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which was introduced with bipartisan support in 2024.
In Indiana, Senator Young has long supported adult education as a tool for workforce development and economic growth. His efforts have been recognized by COABE for three consecutive years, reminding us when leaders reach across the aisle in support of adult learners, real and lasting progress is possible.
To learn more about COABE and its work in adult education, visit coabe.org.
