About Us.
About CVALA
CVALA provides free adult education programs that help adults build skills for employment and complete their high school equivalency. Our team works across the Central Valley region to make learning accessible, supportive, and community-focused.
Our Mission
To offer accessible learning opportunities that support the personal and professional goals of adults.
Our Vision
Adults in the Central Valley region realize their learning potential and participate fully as active members of their communities.
Our Values
Learning
We value learning as a lifelong process that enhances wellbeing and strengthens communities.
Inclusiveness
We support adults from diverse backgrounds and help each person work toward their individual goals.
Quality
We aim for excellence in adult education, grounded in current best practices and meaningful learner support.
Our Story
CVALA’s work is rooted in more than 30 years of adult learning programs in New Brunswick. While the organization itself became incorporated in 2008, our history builds on the strong foundation created by earlier community-based literacy and technology programs.
Early 1990s — Community-Based Adult Learning Begins
Literacy New Brunswick established the Community Academic Services Program (CASP) to support adults—especially in rural areas—who had not completed high school. CASP helped adults build essential skills and participate fully in their communities.
Around the same time, the federal Community Access Program (CAP) expanded access to computers, the internet, and workplace-relevant technology skills through community centres across New Brunswick. These programs were guided by local steering committees and strong community involvement.
2008 — CVALA Becomes an Incorporated Not-for-Profit
In 2008, Literacy New Brunswick and Connect NB merged under the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. CASP and CAP evolved into the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) and E-Learning.
That same year, Central Valley Adult Learning Association Inc. (CVALA) became an incorporated non-profit governed by a Board of Directors.
2012 — Digital Literacy Evolves
As E-Learning Centres closed across the province, a new Digital Literacy program emerged to meet ongoing community needs. Instead of requiring learners to travel, instructors began bringing digital skills training directly to communities—a model CVALA continues today.
Today — Supporting Adult Education Across the Region
CVALA continues to support adults through CAEC preparation classes, digital literacy training, and the operation of an official CAEC Testing Centre. Our focus is on accessibility, community partnership, and creating pathways to employment and continued education.
We work closely with government, partners, and local organizations to increase literacy levels, strengthen the labour market, and support adults in building stronger futures.