Building Skills, Confidence, and a Path Forward
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Rio Salado College student Vanessa Tulley has been named Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). She received the national honor at the organization’s convention in Indianapolis, held April 12–15, 2026.
COABE is the leading national organization dedicated to advancing adult literacy and education.
“Being named COABE Student of the Year was very emotionally mind blowing,” Tulley said. “The blessed news left me shaking, with the over joy of happiness and feeling the Lord’s presence. It was the most magnificent experience I have ever had. My story is being told, and I am being seen and heard.”
Originally from the Navajo Reservation in Window Rock, Ariz., Tulley has overcome the battle of substance abuse, the loss of both parents, and losing all hope within herself. She has found her purpose through her education and it has been her stepping stone to a new life’s beginning.
Through Rio Salado’s Adult Education program, she gained the tools and support needed to rebuild her confidence and create a path forward. With guidance from instructors and access to structured learning, she began setting goals, developing new skills, and envisioning a more stable and fulfilling future.
“Adult Education has been instrumental in helping Vanessa find her voice,” said Melissa Carpenter, associate dean at Rio Salado College. “The structure of classes and the supportive community gave her a platform to express herself. She has replaced self-destructive patterns with purposeful learning and rebuilt her identity as a community advocate and hard worker.”
Tulley began her Rio journey in 2024 as a student in the college’s High School Equivalency (HSE) program. In June 2025, she earned her HSE diploma and served as the student speaker at the HSE graduation ceremony.
“Rio offers you more than just your HSE diploma,” she said. “You can further your education and explore many career pathways. There is always someone there to guide you.”
While enrolled in the HSE program, Tulley also gained career training through Rio’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) program. IET courses allow students in GED® test prep or English language classes to earn industry-recognized credentials while building skills for in-demand careers.
“Through the IET program, I was able to work on my academic skills while earning two industry-recognized certificates,” Tulley said. “These programs gave me both knowledge and practical skills that applied to my job at the time— and I still use them in my current job.”
Bolstered by her success, Tulley applied to Rio Salado’s Adult ACE (Achieving College Education) program, a two-year scholarship designed to support adult learners.
The program provides funding for tuition, fees, and materials (up to 25 credits), along with academic guidance and a structured academic plan aligned with the Language and Literary Culture of the USA certificate.
“I have completed my first college class, CPD150, and am finishing my second, English 101,” Tulley said. “I’m proud to say I’ve reached five and a half years of sobriety and am still going strong. Work and school keep me busy, and I feel more confident each day in all that I do.”
Tulley plans to complete the Adult ACE program in fall 2027.
“My dream is to become a successful electrician receiving my license so I am able to build my own house and have all the lights come on. I would also like to become a welder, as well. It seems to be much fun as from the stories I have heard and want to experience all that fun. Having those two life skills under my belt would be an outstanding success I plan to take on!”
About COABE
The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) is a national professional organization that supports adult educators through leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Learn more on the COABE website.