Adult Education Programs Must Now Teach Digital Skills for Work and Home Under New WIOA Update

This bill, the Investing in Digital Skills Act, is straight-up updating the goals of adult education across the country. It amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to formally mandate that adult education programs focus on teaching “digital literacy skills.” This isn't just about learning how to use email; it’s about making sure adults have the tech chops needed to navigate modern life, from the job site to the PTA meeting. The bill makes these skills a core requirement for programs funded under WIOA, ensuring that federal efforts keep pace with the digital economy.

The New Definition of Adult Education

Think about what adult education used to focus on: literacy, basic skills for self-sufficiency, and getting a job. This bill adds a crucial layer. Section 3 updates the main goal of these programs (Section 202 of WIOA) to explicitly include helping adults gain the knowledge and skills necessary for “full participation in all aspects of adult life,” with a specific focus on digital literacy skills. This is a big deal because it means programs can’t just offer basic reading and math; they now have a clear federal mandate to offer digital training.

For example, if you’re a construction worker looking to move into a site management role, you might need to learn how to use project management software or digital blueprints. Under this update, WIOA-funded programs would be required to offer that kind of training. The bill also updates the proficiency standard for problem-solving, requiring adults to be able to “solve problems and use digital technology at levels of proficiency necessary to function effectively as an employee, a parent or a family member, and a member of society.”

Digital Skills for the Home Front

One of the most practical changes involves parents. The bill specifically requires that program offerings include “digital skills activities” that help parents or family members learn how to use digital tools to better support their children’s learning. This is a clear acknowledgment that modern parenting often requires digital fluency—think navigating school portals, troubleshooting homework apps, or communicating with teachers via online platforms. For a parent who might have been left behind by the pace of technology, this provision is a direct lifeline, ensuring they can actively participate in their kid’s education without feeling overwhelmed.

Where They Found the Definition

To make sure everyone is talking about the same thing, the bill (Section 2) formally adds “digital literacy skills” as a defined term under WIOA. Instead of writing a brand new definition, the bill smartly references an existing one found in Section 202 of the Museum and Library Services Act. While this saves time, it does mean that adult education providers will need to look up that external definition to understand the precise scope of what they must teach. This cross-reference is a bit of legislative housekeeping, but it’s essential because it sets the legal boundary for what counts as digital literacy training under this federal law. Overall, this bill is a necessary update that recognizes that in 2024, digital literacy isn't a bonus skill—it's a basic requirement for nearly every job and every aspect of modern life.