Wisconsin literacy will research, develop, pilot, and evaluate a navigation toolkit supported by a digital workflow interface that helps library staff conduct a brief learner interview, administer a…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Wisconsin Literacy Inc. $399,978 on September 1, 2026, under the National Leadership Grants program (CFDA 45.312) to research, develop, pilot, and evaluate a navigation toolkit supported by a digital workflow interface that helps library staff conduct brief learner interviews, administer skills screeners, interpret results, and provide warm referrals to education providers. Performance runs through August 31, 2028, with work based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Literacy Inc. will produce a tested toolkit, digital navigation tool, and implementation resources designed for libraries nationwide to strengthen pathways into adult education. The project, developed in partnership with public libraries, technical college adult education programs, and community-based literacy organizations serving urban, rural, and tribal communities across Wisconsin, creates a practical, scalable model positioning libraries as gateways to adult education pathways while strengthening local referral networks. Evaluation measures include patron engagement, referral outcomes, staff confidence, improved service delivery, toolkit usability, and successful completion of project milestones.

Wisconsin literacy will research, develop, pilot, and evaluate a navigation toolkit supported by a digital workflow interface that helps library staff conduct a brief learner interview, administer a skills screener, interpret results, and provide warm referrals to education providers. The project will produce a tested toolkit, digital navigation tool, and implementation resources that libraries nationwide can use to strengthen pathways into adult education. Developed in partnership with public libraries, technical college adult education programs, and community-based literacy organizations serving urban, rural, and tribal communities across wisconsin, the project will create a practical, scalable model that helps libraries act as gateways to adult education pathways while strengthening local referral networks. Project performance will be evaluated through measures of patron engagement, referral outcomes, staff confidence, improved service delivery, toolkit usability, and successful completion of project milestones.