The Alaska Adult Education Association was founded in 1977. From 1977 to 1979, the Association acted under the authority of a constitution; it became a non-profit corporation in January 1979. Its predecessor, the Alaska Association for Continuing Community Education, had existed from 1971-1975.The main impetus for the present organization came from a group of Adult Basic Educators who felt the need for better coordination, communication and support for the ABE services in the state.
During the first four years of existence, Nine Star Enterprises' (formerly the Northern Institute) Adult Education Staff Development Project provided financial and logistical support for AAEA. Presently, there is still a close relationship between the two groups.
AAEA is an affiliate of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) and of the Northwest Adult Education Association (NWAEA). It is linked with AAACE and NWAEA through joint membership plans.
The first AAEA statewide conference was held in 1978. Since then the fall conferences have continued to be the rallying point for adult educators around the state as they look to a new program year. The fall conference provides an opportunity to share philosophies and activities among many segments of adult education.
AAEA also publishes a quarterly newsletter, FOCUS, with contributions solicited from all aspects of adult education. Membership cards are available for professional as well as tax purposes. Conference discounts are available to current members.
The Association is open to all adult educators in the areas of adult, continuing, literacy, agricultural, military, religious, higher, vocational, community, and extension education. Membership has grown steadily since 1977, and we look forward to a thriving, active association that will meet the needs of concerned adult educators in the State of Alaska.
The Board of Directors consists of nine members, each elected for a three-year term. Directors are elected by ballot vote prior to each annual membership meeting (held in conjunction with the AAEA Fall Conference). The entire association membership votes on the Directors.