Statewide Distance Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, through its Bureau of Postsecondary and Adult Education, is offering funding under Section 243 of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This funding supports the development and delivery of a Statewide Distance Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education program. The initiative is designed to expand access to adult education services for English language learners across Pennsylvania, particularly those in areas with limited in-person programming. The program emphasizes remote delivery models to ensure statewide accessibility and aligns with federal workforce development priorities. The primary purpose of this grant is to support integrated English literacy and civics education activities combined with workforce training. Programs funded through this opportunity must prepare adult English language learners for unsubsidized employment in in-demand industries that lead to economic self-sufficiency. Instruction must include English language acquisition, literacy development, and civics education, including rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Programs may also include workforce training components and must integrate with local workforce development systems to support employment outcomes. The funding available for this opportunity is up to 500000 dollars for a single statewide award, subject to federal appropriations. The grant operates on a three-year cycle, with continuation funding in years two and three contingent upon performance, compliance, and availability of funds. There is no local matching requirement. Funds may be used for program delivery, development of integrated education and training activities, staffing, and support services, but must align with federal and state guidelines governing adult education programs. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations that have demonstrated effectiveness in providing adult education and literacy services. These include local education agencies, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, libraries, public housing authorities, and consortia of such entities. Applicants must provide evidence of past performance, including measurable outcomes related to literacy gains, employment, and educational attainment. Each participating entity in a consortium must independently meet eligibility requirements and provide supporting data. The application process requires submission through the Pennsylvania eGrants system. Applicants must complete three main components: a narrative addressing program design and requirements, an agency information section detailing organizational capacity, and a budget demonstrating fiscal responsibility. Applications are evaluated based on a scoring system that assesses need, program design, organizational capacity, alignment with workforce priorities, and past effectiveness. Only applications meeting a minimum score threshold are eligible for funding consideration. The application timeline begins with the release of guidelines and opening of the application on June 1, 2026. The submission deadline is June 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Following submission, applications undergo a multi-step review process involving scoring by trained reviewers and alignment checks with local workforce boards. Award notifications follow completion of the review and approval process. Successful applicants must establish the program by September 30, 2026 and meet additional milestones for training activity approval and implementation in 2027. Program requirements include year-round remote instruction, integration of workforce preparation and digital literacy, provision of support services, and coordination with workforce systems. Grantees must also meet reporting requirements, maintain compliance with federal regulations, and demonstrate continuous program improvement. The program places strong emphasis on measurable outcomes, including employment placement, educational advancement, and civic engagement among participants.

Focus on demonstrating measurable outcomes, strong workforce alignment, and detailed remote program design