Adult Education WORKS Act Proposes Major Overhaul: Boosts Digital Skills Training, Library Access, and Funding Starting FY2026

The Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success (WORKS) Act seeks to modernize adult education and job training programs across the country. It does this primarily by amending two key existing laws: the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). The core goals are to equip adults with skills relevant for today's economy – particularly digital and information literacy – expand access points for learning and career help, and significantly increase federal investment in these programs starting Fiscal Year 2026.

Skills for Today, Support for Tomorrow

So, what does this actually change on the ground? First, the bill puts a big emphasis on digital literacy skills (using tech to find, create, and share info responsibly) and information literacy skills (finding, evaluating, and using info effectively, including spotting unreliable sources), embedding these into program definitions and activities (Sec. 101, Sec. 202). Think less about just basic computer use and more about navigating the digital world for work and life.

It also aims to make getting help easier. The bill introduces "college and career navigators" – dedicated guides to help people figure out education and job pathways – and promotes their employment (Sec. 101). Crucially, it expands where you can find help by officially including public libraries in the One-Stop delivery system for workforce services (Sec. 101). This means your local library could become a hub not just for books, but for career counseling, job search assistance, and access to navigators. Imagine needing help polishing your resume or figuring out a training program and being able to pop into the library for direct support.

More Funding, Smarter Accountability

The Act proposes a substantial funding boost, authorizing $135 million per year specifically for library and community-based navigator programs from FY2026 through FY2030 (Sec. 101). It also significantly increases the overall authorization for Adult Education and Family Literacy programs, starting at $810 million in FY2026 and rising to $1.35 billion by FY2030 (Sec. 203). States are also required to be more transparent about how they use matching funds for these programs, posting details online (Sec. 206).

Alongside more money, the bill pushes for better ways to track if programs are working. It updates performance measures to focus on outcomes like earning credentials and diplomas, and requires the Departments of Labor and Education to create a common reporting system for participant data (Sec. 101). It also allows states to pilot innovative performance systems for up to five years, potentially using metrics better suited to adult learners' goals than standard measures (Sec. 205). The idea is to ensure the increased investment leads to genuinely effective programs.

Strengthening the Foundation

Beyond skills and funding, the legislation aims to improve the quality of adult education itself. It encourages the professionalization of adult educators, supporting better credentials and potentially more full-time staffing models (Sec. 207, Sec. 210). Funds previously restricted from professional development under local administrative cost limits are now explicitly allowed for it (Sec. 209). There's also a focus on developing better content, including for family literacy programs (Sec. 207), and providing targeted support for specific groups like adults with learning differences or those at the lowest literacy levels (Sec. 207, 210). The bill also refines Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education programs, ensuring they prepare English learners for full participation in community life, potentially linking more closely with workforce systems (Sec. 211).