Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jack Reed have reintroduced the bipartisan Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act, or the Adult Education WORKS Act. This legislation aims to reauthorize and build upon the foundations set by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), focusing on enhancing adult education programs across the United States.

According to recent data from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, literacy and numeracy skills among U.S. adults have declined between 2017 and 2023. The study highlights an increase in adults at the lowest performance level, rising from 19% to 28% in literacy and from 29% to 34% in numeracy.

A study by the Barbara Bush Foundation suggests that improving adult literacy levels to a sixth-grade reading standard could result in a $2.2 trillion boost to the nation's annual income. Adult education programs aim to provide essential skills in literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and work readiness, among others.

“It’s critical that all Hoosiers have the tools necessary to succeed in the modern economy – and that starts with strengthening adult education,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan bill would bolster critical services for adult learners, while also making important updates that ensure participants are prepared for the 21st-century workforce.”

The Adult Education WORKS Act proposes nearly doubling the authorized funding for adult education by 2030 to $1.35 billion and updating the WIOA. The bill emphasizes digital and information literacy for modern workplaces and everyday life. It also aims to enhance the role of adult education providers in the workforce planning process, focusing on college and career navigators in libraries and community organizations.

Additionally, the act focuses on the professionalization of adult education, with measures to strengthen state certification policies and expand career pathways for educators. Pilot projects will be introduced to promote innovation and increase accountability in program performance and outcomes.

"Strengthening adult education programs is essential to growing our economy and ensuring business owners have enough qualified workers. Adult education is the ticket to a more prosperous and successful life," said Senator Reed. "The Adult Education WORKS Act will help ensure that more Americans can access educational programs that will equip them with in-demand skills to take the opportunities that are available to them."

The proposal also involves companion legislation reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Lucy McBath and Frank Mrvan. The initiative has garnered support from organizations such as the Coalition for Adult Basic Education, the American Library Association, and the National Skills Coalition.

“Through investment and innovation, adult education is the solution to bridging the widening skills gap and ensuring American employers can fill open roles with qualified individuals,” said Sharon Bonney, CEO of COABE. “COABE is grateful for Senator Reed and Senator Young’s engagement with the adult education field to develop this bill and applauds them and Representative McBath for sponsoring it in the Senate and House of Representatives."

"Adult learners and programs would greatly benefit from the changes proposed to WIOA in the Adult Education WORKS Act," said Shaketta Thomas, President of COABE. "This bipartisan bill acknowledges the need for increased investment in adult education and includes key provisions to enhance professional development for educators."

“Every day, library patrons turn to their local library for employment services and to make themselves more competitive in today’s job market,” said ALA President Cindy Hohl. "ALA strongly endorses the Adult Education WORKS Act."

"Adult Education is an essential lifeline for adults in the U.S.," said Jeffrey A. Fantine, Executive Director of the National Coalition for Literacy. "The Adult Education WORKS Act will provide the necessary skills, expand employment opportunities, and improve the lives of millions of adults, resulting in a more skilled workforce."

Finally, Jeff Hutcheson, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for TESOL, stated, "TESOL International Association supports Senators Reed and Young’s Adult Education WORKS Act, as it strengthens and expands access to adult education services through WIOA for all adult learners."