ACE History

In 2007, school divisions in the Lynchburg area regionalized their adult education programs to improve adult literacy services creating ACE (Adult Continuing Education) of Central Virginia. ACE serves an area of 2,124 square miles (Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, and Lynchburg) with a population of just over 253,000. This regional initiative ensures greater consistency and quality of programs, better efficiency of dollars spent, and improved communication.

In 2016, ACE changed its name to Adult and Career Education as the program became more focused on workforce and career pathways. Under title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, ACE's focus has broadened its role and responsibilities as part of the regional workforce system.

ACE has positioned itself as a critical partner in the Central Virginia Workforce System by providing effective adult education services. ACE will continue to work with the Central Virginia Workforce Development Board, its core program partners (Title I, Workforce Development Activities for the Youth, Adult, and Dislocated worker program; III, Wagner Peyser; and IV, the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services), and local agencies and non-profits, to support the alignment of career pathway services and to expand access to education, training, employment and supportive services for eligible individuals with barriers to employment throughout Central Virginia (Counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell, and the city of Lynchburg).