This paper reported results from a qualitative analysis of assets and supports disclosed in the narratives of adult basic education students. These students were identified as exemplary by their instructors for academic achievement, hours of program attendance, or community service. Themes were identified using the "Four Pillars" framework to categorize and describe assets and supports that facilitated academic success. We described how different asset types manifest at each stage of the students' progression from entrance to transition. We found notable variation in the relative importance of assets across individuals and within individuals across the phases of their adult education experience. A sense of community within the ABE classroom contributed to the ability of students to persist despite difficulties, and ABE teachers were identified as the most influential pillar in the final stage of the process; transitioning to opportunities beyond the ABE program.