Evans Innovation Library
Submitted By: Francisco Narciso
Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
Website: https://evanscas.lausd.org/
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship, Adults with Disabilities, K12 Success
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
The Program of Practice
The Innovation Library was created to address digital inequity, low engagement, and the limited use of emerging technologies among adult learners in ESL, ABE, ASE and CTE programs. School climate surveys, classroom observations, and student feedback identified key needs: gaps in technology access, struggles with reading comprehension and vocabulary in ABE courses, and a disconnect between classroom learning and workplace technology. These challenges were particularly evident among ESL and older adult students, reinforcing the urgency for an inclusive, future-focused learning space that provides equitable access to real-world tools and skills.
The Response
The Innovation Library tackles these issues by embedding hands-on tech into instruction and offering staff development in digital tools. It features augmented realty (AR) vocabulary experiences, artificial intelligence (AI) reading assistants, and career simulations using AR/virtual reality(VR)—all accessible to ESL, ABE, and older adult learners. Social emotional learning is integrated through calming Zen Zones. This flexible space promotes student-centered exploration, real-time literacy support, and digital fluency, aligning academic content with career readiness while bridging the gap between instruction and high-demand workplace technologies.
Launched in the 2024–2025 school year, the Evans Innovation Library is California’s first dedicated innovation space within an adult school setting. Aligned with CAEP priorities—Workforce Reentry, Technology & Digital Literacy, and ESL/Academic Support—the library merges traditional resources with cutting-edge tools like AR/VR, AI, and 3D printing. Serving ESL, CTE, and ABE students, this hybrid learning environment supports LAUSD’s “Ready for the World” initiative. Developed through strategic partnerships and grants, the Innovation Library increases engagement, digital access, and career readiness, advancing equity and future-ready learning for adult learners in Los Angeles.
With flexible classroom space, external partnerships, and modest grant funding, this model is highly replicable across adult education settings. The Innovation Library serves as a blueprint for blending library services with hands-on technology integration. Its success offers a scalable framework for embedding digital literacy, SEL, and career exploration within existing facilities, making future-ready learning accessible to diverse adult learners statewide.
The Unique Features of the Program
Evans’ Innovation Library is the first of its kind in California adult education, combining AR/VR, AI, and 3D printing in a library model. Educators receive ongoing professional learning in technology integration. Custom AR content is developed in-house, making learning relevant and contextualized. The dual-purpose design supports both academic innovation and student well-being, ensuring equity by providing access to cutting-edge tools traditionally limited to K–12 or college environments—all within an adult education setting.
The Outcome
Preliminary outcomes demonstrate strong engagement and promising impact: Over 300 student visits within the first month, with more than 120 ESL and ABE students participating in tech-integrated classes. Teachers report increased student confidence in using digital tools and improved vocabulary and reading comprehension. Staff development has led to higher technology use in instruction. Photo documentation, attendance logs, and student testimonials reflect growing comfort with tech and stronger persistence. Future tracking includes credential attainment, transitions to CTE, and workforce readiness to evaluate long-term success.