Initiatives and Resources

Initiatives

Funding Opportunity

The Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 requires that states solicit applicants to compete for Adult Education and Literacy funds (AEL). The funding opportunity application materials for the July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028 (Fiscal years 26-28) grant period are below. The deadline for submissions is April 25, 2025.

Organizations and entities eligible to apply include:

• Local Educational Agencies
• Community Based Organizations
• Volunteer Literacy Organizations
• Institutions of Higher Education
• Public or Private Nonprofit Agencies
• Libraries
• Public Housing Authorities
• Nonprofit Organizations, not described above, that have the ability to provide literacy services to adults and families
• Consortiums of agencies, organizations, institutions, libraries, or authorities described above
• Partnerships between an employer and an entity described above

Please contact AOE.AdultEducation@vermont.gov with any questions about the funding opportunity. Two virtual grant applicant workshops were held to share information and answers questions. Applicants are not required to have attended a workshop. The presentation shared during both workshops and a Frequently Asked Questions document are available below.

• WIOA AEL Grant Applicant Workshop Presentation
• WIOA AEL Grant Application Frequently Asked Questions

Application Materials

Word document versions of those appendices that have areas to be filled out are available below for convenience.

• WIOA Title II, AEL Grant Application
  • Appendix A – Application Checklist
  • Appendix B – Cover Pages
  • Appendix C – Assurances and Signature
  • Appendix D – Demonstrated Effectiveness
  • Appendix H – Alignment Review Tool for the Committee of the State Workforce Development Board
• Budget Proposal Template for AEL Basic Grant
• Budget Proposal Template for Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education and/or Corrections Education
• AOE Uniform Chart of Accounts Object and Function Codes

Policies and Manuals

• Adult Education and Literacy Conditions of Grant Awards and Links to Resources
• Adult Education and Literacy Policy Manual
• Assessment Manual with Distance Education Policy
• Professional Development Handbook
• Adult Education and Literacy's Full Range of Services
• Adult Education and Literacy: Virtual Test Proctoring Procedures for Continuity of Learning

Other Resources

• AEL Statewide Student Intake Form
• Individual Professional Development Plan
• FY25 National Reporting System Annual Refresher Presentation
• AEL WIOA Individuals with Barriers to Employment - Purpose and Definitions
• OCTAE IELCE Checklist
• AEL IET Proposal Outline
• AEL IET Approval and Documentation Process
• AEL IET MOU Template
• AEL Assessment Frequently Asked Questions 
• AEL Assessment Non-Disclosure Agreement 
• AEL Assessment Trainer Assurances 
• Memo: AEL NRS Assessment Transition Guidance
• AEL Follow Up Survey Purpose, Tips and Survey Questions
• AEL Follow Up Survey Data Collection and Entry into LACES
• AEL Career Services Tracking
• Vermont WIOA Combined State Plan PYs 2024-2027

Questions?

Email Robin Castle, State Director of Adult Education & Literacy,  or call (802) 828-0508.