Therefore, pinpointing one individual as "responsible" is inaccurate. Instead, the rise of adult education was influenced by numerous individuals and groups, including:
* Early religious organizations: Churches and other faith-based groups offered literacy and vocational training.
* Social reformers and philanthropists: Individuals concerned with social betterment often established programs aimed at improving the lives of working-class adults.
* Mechanics' institutes and lyceums: These organizations offered lectures and classes on scientific and practical subjects.
* The Chautauqua movement: This influential late 19th-century movement used traveling assemblies to provide educational and cultural enrichment.
In short, the origins of adult education in the US are multifaceted and lacked a singular organizer.