Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)

About This Program

The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) is the primary federal funding stream for adult literacy and English language education. It funds state programs that provide adult literacy instruction, basic skills education, high school equivalency preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to adults who are not enrolled in secondary school and who lack basic skills, a high school diploma, or English language proficiency. The approximately 3 million adults enrolled in AEFLA-funded programs annually include workers seeking to advance their careers, parents wanting to better support their children's education, immigrants improving English skills to become more civically and economically integrated, and adults preparing for postsecondary education or training. Classes are provided through community colleges, school districts, libraries, community organizations, and correctional facilities. A key emphasis in current AEFLA implementation is integrated education and training — pairing adult basic education with vocational or technical instruction so students can simultaneously develop literacy skills and occupational credentials. A student who attends an AEFLA-funded program might earn both their GED and a healthcare certification in the same program, making them immediately more competitive in the job market. Family literacy is also a specific AEFLA priority. Family literacy programs serve parents and children together, helping parents develop their own literacy skills while also engaging them as their children's first teachers. Research shows parent literacy improvements produce measurable benefits in children's early literacy development.

Eligibility Requirements

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