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This report, based on data from the 1991, 1995, and 1999 Adult Education Surveys conducted as part of the National Center for Education Statistics' National Household Education Surveys Program, examines trends and patterns of participation of adults by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, labour force status, and occupation group. An overview of adult participation in formal learning activities during the 1990s is provided with the focus being on trends in participation over time and patterns of participation in 1999. The study found that: the participation in adult education between 1991 to 1999 had increased for virtually every group of adults examined; participation in specific activities showed signs of some groups being left behind (Hispanics, those with lower levels of education, those with lower status jobs, and those who are employed part-time); all groups have relatively low rates of participation for work-related courses; adults with lower levels of education are less likely to participate in non-work-related courses; and the highly educated and high status groups that have been the traditional beneficiaries of adult education continue to be the main beneficiaries.