Today, I am living my dream. I have a job that I am passionate about, one that allows me to apply the skills I learned at adult school every day.
Jorge Ishimoto

Helping adults pursue well-paid careers, higher education and brighter possibilities

Through the Kern Adult Education Consortium, adult schools and community colleges in Kern County are working together to expand access to adult education and develop programs that align with workforce needs. The consortium works closely with the local Workforce Development Board to determine what certification and training programs it should offer to help students obtain lucrative employment upon graduation.

Students can earn a high school diploma or prepare for GED/HiSet exams at local adult schools, with no out-of- pocket expense. Committed educators help guide students through the programs, which also include ESL and citizenship. With assistance from the consortium, students have access to affordable associate degree and certificate programs in areas that have a strong workforce demand.

Our Mission:

We are committed to empowering adult learners by providing the education and training needed to secure meaningful employment, achieve economic mobility, and embrace lifelong learning. By working hand-in-hand with our regional partners, we ensure every student has the support, skills, and resources to thrive in their chosen pathway.

Our Vision:

To build a vibrant community where adults have the opportunity to pursue their personal and professional goals through accessible, high-quality education, contributing to a more skilled and resilient workforce.

Our Goals:

Expand Access to Education: Increase enrollment and program offerings to meet the growing demand for adult education across the region.
Enhance Student Support Services: Provide career counseling, transition assistance, and wraparound services to ensure students succeed at every stage.
Strengthen Workforce Alignment: Forge partnerships with local businesses and industries to provide training and job placement opportunities in high-demand fields.
Promote Equity and Inclusion: Ensure that all learners, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed.
Leverage Technology and Innovation: Use data-driven insights to enhance instruction, outreach, and student success.

Meet The Team

Denice McCauley

Director, Kern Adult Education Consortium

Denice McCauley is the Director of the Kern Adult Education Consortium, one of California’s largest geographic consortia. The consortium supports adult learners across 12 K–12 districts, 3 community colleges, and 1 district office, serving Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties, as well as parts of Tulare County. It brings together diverse partners to expand access to adult education and workforce development throughout California’s Central Valley.

As Director, Denice works closely with consortium members, the Board, and regional workforce partners to align efforts with California Adult Education Program (CAEP) goals—supporting student transitions to college and careers, strengthening basic skills, and addressing the unique needs of adult learners. She leads professional development and supports program compliance, ensuring services are responsive to the needs of local communities.

Under her leadership, the consortium continues to advance initiatives in career education, ESL, high school diploma equivalency, re-entry programs, and more—focusing on equity, access, and long-term student success.

A dedicated support team assists the Director of the Kern Adult Education Consortium. With expertise in administrative operations, budget management, grants, and contracts, this team ensures the effective execution of consortium activities. Their support strengthens operational efficiency, maintains compliance, and contributes to the overall success of adult education initiatives across the region.

Amani Crosshabeyeh

Fiscal Oversight and Grant Administration

Maira Ruiz

Consortium Operations and Administrative Coordination

Meet our Board Members

The Kern Adult Education Consortium brings together local organizations to offer adult education programs and services designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals. Our consortium operates under a collaborative governance structure that ensures a unified approach to regional educational development and community partnerships.

The Board

The KAEC Board is made up of representatives from each of our member organizations, officially designated by their local boards or elected Superintendents. These members play a key role in guiding the direction of the consortium by coordinating regional program development, creating and implementing program plans, filing required reports, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additional representatives and alternates from each organization may also attend board meetings to contribute to the discussion and decision-making processes.

Thomas Yasenchak

Principal

Wasco Adult School

Dr. Bonny Porter

Director of Student Services

Tehachapi Adult School

John Cosner

Principal

Sierra Sands Adult School

Dr. Larriann Torrez

Principal

Porterville Adult School

Dr. David Ellms

Director, Educational Services and Categorical Programs AVID District Director

Muroc Adult School

Shana Stapp

Adult Education and Special Projects Coordinator

Mono County Office of Education

Victoria Davis

Principal

Mojave Adult School

Leonor Lopez

Principal

McFarland Adult School

Dr. Kiersten Webb

Director of College and Career Programs

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Jodi Loeffler

Director

Bakersfield Adult School

Randy Cook

Assistant Superintendent

Inyo County Office of Education

Julio Segura

Principal

Delano Adult School

Chad Provensal

Assistant Principal

Bakersfield Adult School

Mark Wyatt

Principal

Bakersfield Adult School

Marleni Maston

Director

Wasco Adult School

meet our executive committee

Our team of experienced adult education leaders are dedicated to creating new career opportunities for adult learners across our region. We achieve this by connecting them with the right programs at the right locations within the consortium.

The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the policy and strategic direction of the Kern Adult Education Consortium. Working closely with the Board, the committee ensures that the consortium remains aligned with its mission and goals while addressing the evolving needs of our students, community, and industry partners.

Dr. Larriann Torrez

Principal

Porterville Adult School

Dr. Kiersten Webb

Director of College and Career Programs

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Jodi Loeffler

Director

Bakersfield Adult School

Randy Cook

Assistant Superintendent

Inyo County Office of Education

Julio Segura

Principal

Delano Adult School

Chad Provensal

Assistant Principal

Bakersfield Adult School

Mark Wyatt

Principal

Bakersfield Adult School

Dr. Stacy Pfluger

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Student Success

Kern Community College District.

explore our locations

The Kern Adult Education Consortium is made up of 15 locations in California, across the Central Valley and the Eastern Sierras – each offering a variety of educational and career opportunities for adult learners. Teams at each location are ready to serve new adult learners looking to complete their high school diploma/GED, learn English, find a new career, earn a new certification or just explore new opportunities to improve their future.

Founded in 2014 through California’s AB 86 legislation, KAEC includes community colleges, K-12 school districts, and county offices of education.

We are committed to providing accessible, high-quality adult education programs that help individuals achieve their academic, career, and personal goals, supporting lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and community growth.