A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Colleagues,

September is one of my favorite times of year because it gives us an opportunity to do something that is at the heart of NAFTAE’s mission: make adult education impossible to overlook.

As we prepare for National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week, I’m especially excited about two opportunities to put advocacy into action. In Washington, advocates will Flood the Hill, bringing adult educators, adult learners, and partners directly to Capitol Hill to share their stories and make the case for strong federal support for adult education. At home, communities across the country can participate in the America 250 Proclamation Challenge, inviting local leaders to recognize the contributions of adult education and family literacy as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

These efforts are about much more than a single week or a single meeting. They are about showing policymakers and the public that adult education has advocates everywhere.

And importantly, advocacy cannot be limited to those who are able to travel to Washington. It cannot be limited to people who have held leadership positions or who consider themselves “advocates.” Our movement is strongest when we make room for every voice. An adult learner sharing their story, an educator contacting a legislator, a program requesting a mayoral proclamation, a state association organizing its members, or a community partner speaking up for adult education—each of these actions helps build the visibility and momentum our field needs.

Flood the Hill gives us a chance to bring our collective voice directly to Congress. The Proclamation Challenge gives communities an opportunity to bring that same voice home. Together, they remind us that advocacy happens wherever people are willing to speak up and make the case for the value of adult education.

I hope you will find a way to participate this September—whether that means joining us in Washington, requesting a proclamation in your community, reaching out to your elected officials, sharing your story, or helping someone else find their place in this work.

There is a role for every advocate, and there is power in every voice.

With gratitude,

Executive News

On August 4, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved the first Workforce Pell Grant for an Emergency Medical Technician program at Iowa Central Community College. On August 19, ED approved a second Workforce Pell Grant for a Clinical Medical Assistant program at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana.

Congressional News

On July 21, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR), extending federal government funding until December 4. On August 7, the Senate passed its own CR, which would extend funding to December 11. Notably, the Senate version would also prohibit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from moving forward with its proposed federal grant rule through December 11. Differences between these versions will need to be resolved when lawmakers return after the August recess to ensure the government continues to be funded beyond September 30. We expect an agreement to be reached extending funding until after the midterm elections, at which time Members of Congress will return to Washington and assess whether another CR is needed or if a final appropriations deal for fiscal year (FY) 2027 can be reached.

On July 30, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held an executive session to consider several nominations and bills. As part of this session, the Committee favorably reported the nomination of Keith Sonderling to be U.S. Secretary of Labor by a 12 to 11 vote. His nomination awaits confirmation by the full Senate.

In this same executive session, the HELP Committee also approved S. 5046 for consideration by the full Senate, which would prohibit the transfer of certain offices and functions of ED to other federal agencies by a 13 to 9 vote. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) offered an amendment to the bill to prohibit all offices at ED, including the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, from being transferred to other agencies. This amendment failed on an 11 to 12 vote. Senator Murray also offered an amendment that was adopted by a voice vote to require the U.S. Secretary of Education to report on the cost of the interagency agreements.

Other bills advanced by the HELP Committee include S. 4689, the READ Act, to require states receiving funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant program to use the science of reading in classroom instruction, and S. 3010, which would add dyslexia as a separate category of disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Note: Wherever mentioned, FY 2027 refers to the federal fiscal year, which is program year 2027-28.

NAFTAE's Asks

Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Week (September 13-19, 2026) is a federally recognized celebration of the life-changing impact of adult education. NAFTAE amplifies that impact by Flooding the Hill with adult educators, adult learners, and partners who are eager to share their stories and advocate for policies and funding that strengthen adult education.

Can’t join us in DC? You can still make an impact from home! Check out NAFTAE’s Toolkit for Participation in Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2026 for ways to celebrate, advocate, and raise awareness in your community.

As the House and Senate continue deliberations on FY 2027 funding levels, we must continue the drumbeat that funding for adult education not only needs to be maintained but increased at the federal level as well as by states and localities. We urge you to continue to message your Members of Congress, state legislators, and governors to urge their support for NAFTAE’s requests and to visit your programs, which you can do by following the links below.

House | Senate | State Legislators and Governor

Meet the People Behind the Meetings

Flood the Hill doesn’t happen without the people working behind the scenes to make every meeting count. This year, we’re incredibly grateful for our five Flood The Hill Engagement Leads, who have been working tirelessly to coordinate congressional meetings so our advocates can make the most of their time on Capitol Hill.

Please join us in recognizing these outstanding advocates:

Sarah Quick (OH)

Dave Coleman (CA)

Sarina Lirette (LA)

Kristen Swiantek (MI)

Katie Donoviel (UT)

Their work may happen behind the scenes, but its impact will be felt across Capitol Hill. From coordinating schedules to making connections, these five leaders are helping turn dozens of individual meetings into a powerful national voice for adult education.

Thank you, Sarah, Dave, Sarina, Kristen, and Katie, for helping make Flood the Hill possible!

AEFL Week Resources

NAFTAE’s Toolkit for Participation in Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2026

This AEFL week toolkit offers practical ways to engage in AEFL Week from anywhere in the U.S. 

NAFTAE’s America250 Adult Education Proclamation Toolkit

Ever wonder how to secure a proclamation? This proclamation toolkit walks you through the process with templates. 

NAFTAE State Factsheets

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

Webinar: Get Ready for National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week 

National Adult Education & Family Literacy Week (September 13–19) is our opportunity to elevate adult education in communities across the country—and NAFTAE is here to help.

Join us for this free webinar as we introduce the National Association for the Transformation of Adult Education (NAFTAE), share our vision for strengthening advocacy nationwide, and walk through the resources available to help you participate in AEFL Week.

We'll highlight this year's advocacy activities, demonstrate how to use the AEFL Week Action Center, and officially launch the Mayoral Proclamation Challenge, encouraging communities across the country to secure local proclamations recognizing the importance of adult education and family literacy.

Whether you're an educator, program leader, learner, state association representative, or advocate, you'll leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use resources to make AEFL Week a success.

August 28 at 2:00 pm Eastern | Register