Legis Daily

Adult Education WORKS Act

USA119th CongressS-1400| Senate 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
Jack Reed

Jack Reed

Democratic Senator

Rhode Island

Cosponsors (1)
Todd Young (Republican)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act, or the Adult Education WORKS Act, seeks to strengthen adult education and workforce development by amending both the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Key changes to WIOA include defining and establishing the role of a college and career navigator , an individual with extensive knowledge of workforce and postsecondary programs who provides tailored guidance and facilitates access to services. The bill also introduces definitions for concurrent enrollment , digital literacy skills , information literacy skills , and foundational skill needs . State and local workforce development boards will now include representatives from adult education organizations and promote the employment of these navigators. The legislation mandates that state plans address the professionalization of adult education through teacher credentialing, professional development, and career ladders. It revises performance indicators to better measure outcomes like recognized postsecondary credentials and employment, and requires a common participant individual record layout for core programs. Public libraries are integrated into one-stop delivery systems, allowing them to provide career services and host navigators, especially in underserved communities. A significant provision authorizes grants for library-based and community-based college and career navigators , with an authorization of $135 million annually for five fiscal years. This aims to leverage community resources to expand career navigation services. Amendments to AEFLA broaden its purpose to include digital and information literacy skills and full participation in all aspects of adult life. The bill substantially increases authorized appropriations for AEFLA, rising from $810 million in fiscal year 2026 to $1.35 billion by fiscal year 2030, and increases funds reserved for national activities. It also allows for a pilot program for innovative performance accountability systems, enabling states to test alternative indicators that may more accurately reflect program objectives. Finally, the Act expands state leadership activities to include developing family literacy content, promoting digital literacy, and supporting adult educator credentialing and retention. National leadership activities will focus on technical assistance for performance systems, grants for innovative systems, and promoting effective practices in adult education, including professionalization and support services. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education provisions are also modified to emphasize preparation for full economic, educational, and civic participation, and better integration with the local workforce development system.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5202
Adult Education WORKS Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3075
Adult Education WORKS Act
Apr 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2789
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528: 1)
Apr 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5202
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3075
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • April 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2789
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528: 1)


  • April 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528)

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2789: Adult Education WORKS Act

Adult Education WORKS Act

USA119th CongressS-1400| Senate 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
The Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act, or the Adult Education WORKS Act, seeks to strengthen adult education and workforce development by amending both the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Key changes to WIOA include defining and establishing the role of a college and career navigator , an individual with extensive knowledge of workforce and postsecondary programs who provides tailored guidance and facilitates access to services. The bill also introduces definitions for concurrent enrollment , digital literacy skills , information literacy skills , and foundational skill needs . State and local workforce development boards will now include representatives from adult education organizations and promote the employment of these navigators. The legislation mandates that state plans address the professionalization of adult education through teacher credentialing, professional development, and career ladders. It revises performance indicators to better measure outcomes like recognized postsecondary credentials and employment, and requires a common participant individual record layout for core programs. Public libraries are integrated into one-stop delivery systems, allowing them to provide career services and host navigators, especially in underserved communities. A significant provision authorizes grants for library-based and community-based college and career navigators , with an authorization of $135 million annually for five fiscal years. This aims to leverage community resources to expand career navigation services. Amendments to AEFLA broaden its purpose to include digital and information literacy skills and full participation in all aspects of adult life. The bill substantially increases authorized appropriations for AEFLA, rising from $810 million in fiscal year 2026 to $1.35 billion by fiscal year 2030, and increases funds reserved for national activities. It also allows for a pilot program for innovative performance accountability systems, enabling states to test alternative indicators that may more accurately reflect program objectives. Finally, the Act expands state leadership activities to include developing family literacy content, promoting digital literacy, and supporting adult educator credentialing and retention. National leadership activities will focus on technical assistance for performance systems, grants for innovative systems, and promoting effective practices in adult education, including professionalization and support services. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education provisions are also modified to emphasize preparation for full economic, educational, and civic participation, and better integration with the local workforce development system.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-5202
Adult Education WORKS Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3075
Adult Education WORKS Act
Apr 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2789
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Apr 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528: 1)
Apr 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-5202
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3075
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • April 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2789
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528: 1)


  • April 9, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2527-2528)
Jack Reed

Jack Reed

Democratic Senator

Rhode Island

Cosponsors (1)
Todd Young (Republican)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2789: Adult Education WORKS Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted