Adult Education - Basic Grants to States

To fund local programs of adult education and literacy services, including workplace literacy services, family literacy services, and English literacy and integrated English literacy-civics education programs. Participation in these programs is limi

To fund local programs of adult education and literacy services, including workplace literacy services, family literacy services, and English literacy and integrated English literacy-civics education programs. Participation in these programs is limited to adults and out-of-school youths aged 16 and older who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in a secondary school under State law

Formula grants are made to designated eligible State agencies that under State law are responsible for administering or supervising statewide policy for adult education and literacy, including such entities as State educational agencies (SEAs), postsecondary agencies, or workforce agencies. State agencies must provide direct and equitable access to: local educational agencies; public or private nonprofit agencies; community-based organizations of demonstrated effectiveness; institutions of higher education; volunteer literacy organizations of demonstrated effectiveness; libraries; public housing authorities; nonprofit institutions not described above that have the ability to provide literacy services to adults and families; and consortia of the entities described above.

Adults and out-of-school youths who are 16 years of age and older, who are not enrolled or required to be enrolled in secondary school under State law, and who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills to enable them to function effectively in society or do not have a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and have not achieved an equivalent level of education, or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language.

WIOA lists specific performance measures on which States are assessed. These include: demonstrated improvements in literacy skill levels in reading, writing, and speaking the English language, numeracy, problem-solving, English language acquisition and other literacy skills; placement in, retention in, or completion of postsecondary education, training, unsubsidized employment, or career advancement; receipt of a high school diploma or its equivalent; other objective, quantifiable measures, as identified by the State agency. Not more than 12.5 percent of the State allotment may be used for State leadership activities, including professional development; 82.5 percent or more of the State allotment must be used to support local programs and corrections education and other institutionalized individuals. Not more than 20 percent of the State allotment may be used for correctional education and other institutionalized individuals; not more than 5 percent or $85,000, whichever is greater, of the State allotment may be used for State administrative costs. AEFLA reserves a portion of the program's appropriation for English literacy and civics education services to immigrants and other limited English proficient populations. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on 202-708-7770.

Funds must be obligated by grantees within 27 months of their date of availability. States draw funds as needed under the Electronic Transfer System.

Agency establishes procedures for submitting plan and required documents. Awards made via formula as described below.

States are afforded an opportunity for hearings.