A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Colleagues,

What a few weeks it has been for adult education and family literacy.

As we wrapped up National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, advocates across the country showed once again that our field is not waiting for someone else to tell our story. We are raising awareness in our communities, building relationships with policymakers, and making sure adult learners are part of the conversation about our nation’s future.

That commitment was especially visible during Flood the Hill.

This year, more than 140 NAFTAE advocates from 35 states and Washington, DC came together for advocacy in our nation’s capital. Together, advocates reached 213 congressional offices through meetings and drop-bys, including 179 in-person meetings and drop-bys. Twenty Members of Congress — 10 Senators and 10 Representatives — engaged directly with our advocates, and five legislators joined us for our awards breakfast.

And the circumstances made that accomplishment even more meaningful. The House was adjourned and Members were sent home on September 16, the day our advocates arrived in Washington, changing the congressional schedule just as our advocacy was getting underway. Yet our advocates adapted, showed up, and continued making the case for adult education.

That is what sustained advocacy looks like.

Flood the Hill was never just about one week in Washington. It was about building relationships that we can continue throughout the year — with Members of Congress, their staff, and the communities we represent. The conversations we started in Washington now need to continue in our states and districts.

We will take a closer look at what we learned from this year’s experience — including what worked, what surprised us, and what those 213 congressional touchpoints can teach us about effective advocacy — during our upcoming 2026 Midterm Election Webinar Series session, “Flood the Hill: What We Learned — and What You Can Use.”

And there is plenty more happening in Washington. From proposed changes to federal grant administration to developments affecting Workforce Pell and bipartisan recognition of Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, the policy landscape continues to move quickly. This is a time to stay informed, stay connected, and keep showing up.

Thank you for everything you are doing — in Washington and, just as importantly, back home in your communities.

Our advocacy does not end when AEFL Week ends or when Congress leaves Washington. This is year-round work, and we are in it together.

In advocacy,

Executive News

On August 24, U.S. Department of Education (ED) released a proposed rule to amend the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), which governs the administration of federal education grants awarded by ED. The public is invited to submit comments on or before September 23, 2026. Read more about the potential impact of the rule on NAFTAE’s blog, and see NAFTAE’s public comments here. 

On September 14, ED approved three Workforce Pell-eligible programs at Metropolitan Community College in the State of Nebraska, making it the third institution to receive federal program approval (in addition to Iowa Central Community College and Ivy Tech Community College). The approved programs include Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, and CompTIA Tech+ with Google IT Support. 

On September 9, ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid released an online training course about the eligibility and approval requirements for Workforce Pell programs. 

On September 21, 2026, ED announced a deadline of December 31, 2026 for submitting an annual report on Prison Education Programs (PEP) accessing the Pell Grant program to the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System.

Congressional News

On September 16, Representative Lucy McBath (D-GA) was joined by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Frank Mrvan (D-IN), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) in introducing H.Res.1550, a bipartisan resolution expressing support for designation of the week of September 13 through 19, 2026, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." On September 17, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) was joined by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in introducing a similar bipartisan resolution in the Senate recognizing Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, S.Res.863. 

On September 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7890, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, legislation focused on evidence-based literacy instruction and supports aligned with the science of reading. 

On September 9, House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) confirmed his intention to again seek the top Democrat position in the next Congress, which begins on January 3, 2027. 

On September 7, Representative Jahana Hayes (D-CT) announced her candidacy for the top Democrat position on the House Education and Workforce Committee, effectively challenging current Ranking Member Scott for the position in the forthcoming Congress. There may be other challenges as we get closer to party leadership elections that will take place following the midterm elections. 

On September 1, the U.S. House of Representatives returned from August recess and passed a previously approved U.S. Senate continuing resolution by a 370 to 48 vote. This measure, which was subsequently signed into law by President Trump, continues federal government funding through December 11, 2026. This provides members of Congress time to return to Washington, DC following the midterm elections to determine whether and how the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process can be finalized.

NAFTAE's Asks

On September 16, the U.S. House of Representatives went into recess, with Members returning to their districts leading up to the November midterm elections. The Senate is expected to follow suit later this week. Now is a great time to reach out to Members of Congress to invite them to visit your programs using NAFTAE’s customizable template (find contact information here).  

Looking for more ways to advocate? NAFTAE’s Toolkit for Participation in Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2026 is full of great resources to help you celebrate, advocate, and raise awareness for adult education in your community! AEFL week may be behind us, but our advocacy work is a continual effort throughout the year. 

Ohio and Connecticut Are Leading the Way

The America250 Adult Education Proclamation Challenge is heating up — and Ohio and Connecticut are currently leading the nation with more than 50 proclamations combined!

Communities across the country are recognizing the contributions of adult education and family literacy as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Every proclamation helps elevate our field and puts adult education on the radar of local leaders.

Which state will take the top spot? The winning state will be announced October 1!

If your community has secured a proclamation, make sure it counts toward the challenge by submitting it here.

And if your community hasn't secured one yet, there's still time to join the challenge and get on the map!

Webinar Series

Save the date for our upcoming 2026 Election Webinar Series.

NAFTAE will be providing a nonpartisan dive into the midterm election, sharing resources on what to ask candidates, and ending with follow-up election coverage. More information and registration links will drop next week, but place a hold on your calendar for the following dates:

• October 1, 3-4pm ET — Flood the Hill: What We Learned and What You Can Use
• October 15, 3-4pm ET — Adult Ed Votes: Know the Candidates. Know the Issues. Know Your Voice.
• November 5, 3-4pm ET — After the Votes: What the 2026 Midterms Mean for Adult Education

Advocacy Resources

Stay tuned for the launch of our Resource Center where you can find everything you need in one place.

NAFTAE State Factsheets: Access downloadable NAFTAE State Factsheets by visiting our website and using the State Data dropdown or clicking on your state below: