Estimated Fiscal Year 2026 Adult Education and Family Literacy Act State Award Amounts

The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act State Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. This program operates under title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and provides formula-based funding to states and eligible territories to support adult education and literacy activities. The memorandum issued in April outlines estimated allocations for the fiscal year based on federal appropriations and statutory formulas. These funds are a continuation of longstanding federal support designed to improve adult education systems, workforce readiness, and literacy outcomes nationwide. The program’s primary purpose is to fund adult education services that enhance the basic skills, literacy, and employability of adults. This includes activities such as adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English language acquisition programs. A portion of the funding is also reserved specifically for Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, which supports English language learners through combined instruction in language, civics, and workforce training. The allocation formula considers population data and immigration trends, ensuring that funding reflects both long-term and recent demographic needs. Funding is distributed to states through a formula defined in federal statute, with total national funding reaching over six hundred million dollars for the base program and additional funding allocated for English literacy initiatives. States receive varying amounts depending on demographic indicators derived from the American Community Survey and immigration statistics. A minimum allocation is guaranteed for certain program components to ensure baseline support across all states and eligible territories. These funds become available at the start of the federal program year on July 1 and are intended to support statewide adult education systems. Eligible entities for these funds are state governments, which then administer subgrants to local providers. While the memorandum does not detail subrecipient eligibility, it is understood that states distribute funds to local education agencies, community-based organizations, and other approved providers. The federal government does not require a matching contribution for these funds, and allocations are determined solely by formula rather than a competitive application process at the state level. The process outlined in the memorandum does not include a traditional application submission. Instead, funding is automatically allocated to states based on statutory formulas and available appropriations. States are responsible for managing their allocations in compliance with federal regulations and program requirements. For additional clarification or state-specific inquiries, the Department provides a central contact email for program support and data inquiries. The funding cycle for this program is annual, aligned with federal fiscal appropriations. Although the national funding level remains consistent year over year, individual state allocations may fluctuate due to changes in population data and immigration trends. This recurring structure ensures ongoing support for adult education systems while allowing adjustments based on updated data inputs. The program continues to serve as a foundational funding stream for adult education across the United States and its territories.