Protect Adult Education Funding

The President’s FY 2027 Budget Would Eliminate Federal Adult Education Funding

The Administration’s FY 2027 budget proposal would eliminate all federal funding for Adult Education under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA).

If enacted, this proposal would dismantle the nation’s primary system for helping adults gain foundational literacy, numeracy, English language, digital, workforce, and high school equivalency skills. Millions of adults rely on these services to: improve their skills, earn a high school credential, access workforce training and career pathways, support their children’s education and secure family-sustaining employment.

Adult Education is not optional infrastructure. It is a core part of the nation’s education and workforce systems. Without a federally-funded adult education system, the nation weakens a critical on-ramp to the talent pipeline employers depend on.

Why This Matters

Nearly:
• 60 million U.S. adults have low literacy skills
• 20+ million adults lack a high school diploma
• 20+ million adults have limited English proficiency

Adult Education serves individuals with the greatest barriers to employment and provides the foundational skills necessary to succeed in Career and Technical Education (CTE), workforce training, and employment.

Eliminating AEFLA funding would:
• Reduce access to literacy and workforce preparation services
• Harm rural and underserved communities
• Weaken the workforce pipeline
• Undermine economic mobility
• Make it harder for employers to find skilled workers
• Disproportionately impact adults with the greatest educational needs

At a time of workforce shortages and growing economic demands, the nation should be strengthening Adult Education — not eliminating it.

Take Action

Congress needs to hear directly from educators, workforce leaders, employers, community organizations, learners, and advocates.
Contact Your Senators and Representative

Tell Congress:

• Reject the proposed elimination of Adult Education funding
• Protect AEFLA under WIOA Title II
• Support increased investment in Adult Education
You can find your elected officials here:
• Find Your U.S. Senator
• Find Your U.S. Representative
Feel free to use this Sample Letter for your advocacy efforts.