The Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act, or the Adult Education WORKS Act, seeks to strengthen adult education and workforce development by amending both the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Key changes to WIOA include defining and establishing the role of a college and career navigator, an individual with extensive knowledge of workforce and postsecondary programs who provides tailored guidance and facilitates access to services. The bill also introduces definitions for concurrent enrollment, digital literacy skills, information literacy skills, and foundational skill needs. State and local workforce development boards will now include representatives from adult education organizations and promote the employment of these navigators.

The legislation mandates that state plans address the professionalization of adult education through teacher credentialing, professional development, and career ladders. It revises performance indicators to better measure outcomes like recognized postsecondary credentials and employment, and requires a common participant individual record layout for core programs. Public libraries are integrated into one-stop delivery systems, allowing them to provide career services and host navigators, especially in underserved communities.

A significant provision authorizes grants for library-based and community-based college and career navigators, with an authorization of $135 million annually for five fiscal years. This aims to leverage community resources to expand career navigation services.

Amendments to AEFLA broaden its purpose to include digital and information literacy skills and full participation in all aspects of adult life. The bill substantially increases authorized appropriations for AEFLA, rising from $810 million in fiscal year 2026 to $1.35 billion by fiscal year 2030, and increases funds reserved for national activities. It also allows for a pilot program for innovative performance accountability systems, enabling states to test alternative indicators that may more accurately reflect program objectives.

Finally, the Act expands state leadership activities to include developing family literacy content, promoting digital literacy, and supporting adult educator credentialing and retention. National leadership activities will focus on technical assistance for performance systems, grants for innovative systems, and promoting effective practices in adult education, including professionalization and support services. Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education provisions are also modified to emphasize preparation for full economic, educational, and civic participation, and better integration with the local workforce development system.