Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Services Grant

The WIOA Title II - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Services funding opportunity is offered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MTDLI), Workforce Services Division, in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The funding opportunity seeks experienced and qualified organizations to deliver adult education and literacy services throughout Montana. The purpose of the program is to provide no-cost adult education services to eligible individuals aged 16 and older who are not enrolled in secondary school and who are basic skills deficient, lack a secondary credential, or are English language learners. The grant aligns with the broader federal and state workforce development strategies including America's Talent Strategy and Montana's 406 JOBS initiative. Applicants are expected to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways, career pathways, industry-recognized credentials, integrated education and training, employer engagement, and workforce participation among underserved and hard-to-reach populations. The program supports several categories of adult education services under WIOA including Adult Education and Literacy Activities under Section 231, Corrections Education under Section 225, and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education under Section 243. Eligible services include adult education, literacy, workplace literacy, family literacy, English language acquisition, integrated education and training, civics education, corrections education, transition-to-reentry services, and workforce preparation activities. The Department emphasizes the use of evidence-based instructional practices, technology integration, distance learning, and contextualized instruction aligned with Montana's workforce priorities. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to coordinate with WIOA core partners, including Title I workforce programs, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and one-stop workforce centers throughout the state. The Department intends to issue two-year subawards covering Program Year 2026 from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 and Program Year 2027 from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028, contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued availability of federal and state funding. Total estimated funding for the competition is approximately $1,831,967, consisting of $1,249,967 in federal funds, $525,000 in state funds, and $57,000 in Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education funding. Funding allocations are based on Montana Association of Counties districts and utilize a performance-based funding formula that considers enrollment, poverty, unemployment, dropout rates, measurable skill gains, credential attainment, and transitions into postsecondary education or employment. Applicants are also required to provide a 25 percent local match using non-federal and non-state funds or documented in-kind contributions. Allowable match contributions include staffing, facilities, utilities, volunteer time, and other approved adult education expenditures. Eligible applicants include local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, tribal organizations, public housing authorities, volunteer literacy organizations, libraries, partnerships between employers and eligible entities, and consortia of eligible organizations. Applicants must demonstrate effectiveness in providing adult education and literacy activities through performance data covering a two-year period. Required demonstrated effectiveness metrics include academic level gains, employment outcomes, credential attainment, and transitions to postsecondary education or training. Applicants that fail to demonstrate effectiveness will not advance to the competitive scoring process. Programs must also address the thirteen statutory considerations under WIOA Section 231, including responsiveness to regional workforce needs, service to individuals with disabilities, alignment with the state workforce plan, instructional quality, technology use, career pathways development, staff qualifications, and coordination with community resources. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Submittable platform no later than June 8, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Late applications will not be accepted. The application package includes multiple required components such as a cover sheet, demonstrated effectiveness documentation, GEPA narrative, program introduction, responses to all thirteen considerations, partnership worksheets, financial documentation, internal control assessments, and detailed budget templates. Applicants seeking Corrections Education or IELCE funding must also complete specialized narrative sections addressing those target populations. An optional pre-submission conference will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams on May 15, 2026 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. MST, and written questions may be submitted through May 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MST. Responses to questions will be publicly posted on the State Workforce Innovation Board website by May 29, 2026. Applications will undergo a multi-stage review process including demonstrated effectiveness screening, State Workforce Innovation Board alignment review, and competitive scoring by an independent review panel. Scoring criteria heavily emphasize the thirteen WIOA considerations and alignment with Montana's workforce development priorities. Applications may receive additional points for compliance with Montana Executive Order 12-2016 regarding Equal Pay for Montana Women. MTDLI reserves the right to reject applications, issue multiple awards, require revisions, or recompete service areas if needed. Successful applicants will be expected to participate in ongoing monitoring, performance reporting, data collection through the LACES student information system, and collaboration with state workforce partners. Questions regarding the funding opportunity may be directed to MTDLI_WIOA@mt.gov using the subject line "Title II - Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Services."

Applications should strongly align with Montana's 406 JOBS initiative, America's Talent Strategy, career pathways development, integrated education and training, employer engagement, measurable workforce outcomes, and collaboration with WIOA core partners. Strong emphasis is placed on demonstrated effectiveness, data quality, and workforce alignment.