The Office of Adult Education - Philadelphia

The Office of Adult Education (OAE), formerly the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy has worked to equip all adults in Philadelphia with the education they need for work, family, and civic engagement since 1983. OAE was charged to work on behalf of over 80 literacy and workforce development programs to help the estimated 550,000 adults in the city functioning below basic adult education levels to qualify for family-sustaining jobs and post-secondary training and education.

With support from the City of Philadelphia and generous funders, hundreds of partner organizations throughout the City, and the work of thousands of professionals and volunteers, The Office of Adult Education works to ensure that all adult learners have access to high-quality education. OAE supports neighborhood-based organizations to offer adult literacy and ESL services, partners closely with the City's workforce development system, and provides volunteer training and professional development on workforce literacy for all providers in Philadelphia. High-quality distance learning and electronic literacy referrals and placements are in development to reduce waiting lists, fill classes, and make learning accessible any time, anywhere, on any device.