Adult Education and Literacy Act

Request for Applications (Open)

The Adult Education and Literacy Act (SB23-007), or AELA, requires providers to offer eligible adults basic education in literacy, digital literacy, and numeracy that leads to additional skills acquisition, a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate, postsecondary credential attainment, and employment. The act describes services that providers may offer to eligible adults, which include in-person or online instruction, the development of learning plans, coaching and mentorship. Eligible providers must apply as part of a workforce development partnership or education attainment partnership. The intended funding period is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2029. All applications will be submitted through GAINS.

 AELA Grant Program Timeline

• Nov. 12, 2024: AELA Informational Webinar
  • 2025-29 AELA Informational Webinar PDF
  • 2025-29 AELA Informational Webinar Recording
• Nov. 25, 2024: AELA RFA Technical Assistance
  • 2025-29 AELA RFA TA Webinar PDF
  • 2025-29 AELA RFA TA Webinar Recording
  • Webinar Recording Revisions:
    • Slide 17 was labeled Appendix B and has been corrected to Attachment B.
    • Slide 19 was labeled Step 4 and has been corrected to Step 5.
    • Slide 20 was labeled Step 5 and has been corrected to Step 6.
• Dec. 2-20, 2024: Intent to Apply
• Jan. 6-March 31, 2025: AELA RFA open in GAINS
• March 31, 2025: Applications due in GAINS no later than 6 p.m. MT
• July 2025: AELA funding

AELA Frequently Asked Questions 

Submit an AELA Question

AELA Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ responses will be posted biweekly starting Dec. 2, 2024. Responses will be posted more frequently the final two weeks of the grant competition.

AELA Resources

2025-26 AELA Assurances