Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program

The Section 243 Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through its Division of Adult Education. This funding opportunity is authorized under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, specifically the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The program is designed to support integrated English literacy and civics education services for adult English language learners. The Department of Education in Pennsylvania acts as the lead administering agency, overseeing application review, funding distribution, compliance, and performance monitoring for awarded programs. The initiative aligns with federal workforce development goals and emphasizes integration with local workforce systems to promote economic self-sufficiency. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund programs that deliver integrated English language instruction and civics education in combination with workforce training. Programs must be designed to prepare adult English learners, including individuals with professional credentials from other countries, to transition into unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries. Services must include literacy instruction, English language acquisition, and education on civic participation and citizenship responsibilities. Additionally, programs are required to incorporate workforce preparation activities and may include integrated education and training opportunities that align with regional labor market needs. Funding for this opportunity is approximately 2.25 million dollars for the fiscal year, although the final amount is subject to federal allocation. Individual applicants request funding within defined ranges tied to projected enrollment levels, with award amounts potentially reaching up to 400,000 dollars depending on scale. A mandatory 20 percent cost match is required from grantees. Funds may be used for instructional services, workforce training integration, student support services, administrative costs within allowable limits, and partnerships with workforce development entities. Applicants must also ensure compliance with federal and state fiscal guidelines and may be subject to negotiation regarding administrative cost caps. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations capable of delivering adult education services. These include local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, community-based and faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, libraries, public housing authorities, and partnerships between employers and eligible entities. Applicants must demonstrate prior effectiveness in delivering adult education and literacy services, including performance data showing participant outcomes such as employment, credential attainment, and educational progression. Each applicant must provide quantitative data from the previous two program years to establish eligibility. The application process requires submission through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s eGrants system. Applicants must complete three primary components: a narrative addressing program design and requirements, an agency information section detailing organizational capacity, and a budget outlining the use of funds. The narrative is the primary scored component and must address federal and state requirements, including program design, workforce alignment, and student support strategies. Applications are reviewed by trained teams and scored based on defined criteria, with a maximum score of 116 points and a minimum threshold required for funding consideration. Applications are evaluated based on multiple factors including demonstrated need, program design quality, organizational capacity, alignment with workforce systems, and past performance. The review process includes scoring by multiple reviewers, consideration of alignment with local workforce development plans, and ranking based on weighted criteria. Funding decisions are contingent on both score and availability of funds. Applicants may appeal funding decisions through a formal process if necessary. The grant operates on a three-year cycle, with continuation funding in years two and three dependent on performance, compliance, and availability of funds. The application timeline for the current cycle includes an opening date of April 20, 2026, and a submission deadline of May 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Successful applicants must meet strict program requirements, including providing year-round instruction, ensuring access to integrated training activities, and maintaining partnerships with workforce development systems. Programs are also required to track and report outcomes, meet negotiated performance targets, and comply with all applicable federal and state regulations.

Focus on alignment with workforce systems, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and ensure detailed program design that meets all state and federal requirements