About
“I have great takeaways from each of these meetings! I appreciate the professional development I receive here. The external speakers and time to network with our colleagues in the field is invaluable!”
– VHEAG Member
Mission
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national non-profit leader in the field of adult learning. Our vision is to ensure meaningful learning, credentials, and work for every adult. Our mission is to expand engagement in lifelong learning by removing the barriers to postsecondary education in both policy and practice; changing higher education practice and policy so that lifelong learning is better supported; and introducing new public policy ideas that will open access to postsecondary education.
Veterans Work
CAEL’s veterans initiatives support successful military-to-civilian transitions by building capacity to serve veterans in postsecondary education environments, expanding recognition of military learning for college credit, and promoting career pathways in high-demand fields. To achieve these aims, CAEL performs research, disseminates reports, engages in policy advocacy, and builds higher education and business networks in support of transitioning service members and veterans. CAEL also works directly with veterans, guard members and reservists by offering Returning to Learning briefings at local military units.
The Veterans in Higher Education Affinity Group
VHEAG
Since 2011, CAEL has collaborated with a variety of local and national partners to ensure that military veterans are positioned to thrive at Chicago-area colleges and universities. Through its leadership of the Veterans Higher Education Affinity Group (VHEAG), CAEL has fostered a community committed to excellence in student veteran services, providing local higher education institutions with opportunities to learn from each other as well as national experts in the field.