National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, celebrated each September, shines a spotlight on the power of learning at every age. Across the county, it’s a time to raise awareness about how education transforms lives, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities. For the Kern Adult Education Consortium (KAEC), it’s more than an event or campaign. For us, it’s a call to action that supports our students and their families.
Just weeks ago, families gathered from Arvin to Ridgecrest to celebrate the power of learning across generations. KAEC hosted four “Read Around the World” events that invited families to connect through storytelling, creativity, and shared experiences. These gatherings highlighted how adult education and family literacy work hand in hand to build stronger homes, empower learners, and support long-term community wellness.
Why Family Literacy Matters: Family literacy is more than reading books. It’s about building strong, supportive homes where learning is part of everyday life. When adults improve their reading, writing, or English skills, they gain confidence, find better jobs, and become stronger role models for their children. And when children see their parents learning, they’re more likely to value education themselves.
Adult education and family literacy go hand in hand. Parents who return to school often read more with their children, help with homework, and talk about goals and dreams. This creates a cycle of learning that benefits the whole family and strengthens the community.
Our Events: Each “Read Around the World” offered families time to enjoy storytelling sessions, hands-on arts and crafts, and a variety of games that encouraged creativity and play. Smiles came easy with a fun photo booth and light snacks to keep everyone refreshed. Families also had the opportunity to visit adult school information tables, where they learned about programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL), high school diploma completion, and career training. Local partners and vendors shared helpful resources, reinforcing that education and support are available for every family in Kern County.
Events took place in Arvin (September 16), Bakersfield (September 17), Delano (September 18), and Ridgecrest (October 2) and each one showcased the Consortium’s commitment to make education accessible, welcoming, and community-centered. KAEC is especially thankful to the Dollar General Distribution Center in Lebec for supporting our family literacy events.
In 2026, we plan to expand Family Literacy Week to all nine of our partner sites, offering fun informative events that show how adult education opens doors for parents, children, and the entire community.
If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step in learning, we’re here to help.
Let’s keep reading, growing, and building a stronger Kern County, together.