Colorado adult education providers face potential loss of grant funding and class reductions

Colorado Adult Education Providers Face Funding Crisis

Students attending The Learning Source’s Pueblo location have diverse goals, ranging from learning English to obtaining a high school education. However, recent changes in federal grant requirements are putting these programs at risk.

While adult education providers in Colorado value diverse outcomes for their students, federal grants primarily focus on preparing adults for the workforce. Colorado officials are now requesting more workforce-related data from local providers to continue receiving federal funding.

Many providers are concerned as they lack the necessary data, potentially leading to a loss of federal grants and reliance on limited state funding. This could result in the closure of programs like the one attended by students Yadira Granados and Yessica Gallegos.

Josh Evans, CEO of The Learning Source, emphasized the impact on thousands of Colorado adults without a high school diploma. With about 300,000 adults in this situation statewide, the loss of funding could worsen their barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.

Providers like Paula Schriefer from the Spring Institute highlight the broader goals of adult education beyond job skills, such as improving communication and supporting children in school. While Colorado recently increased funding for these programs, the federal Adult Education and Family Literacy Act grant remains crucial for many providers.

However, recent changes in documentation requirements by the state’s Adult Education Initiatives office have left many providers ineligible for the grant. Organizations are now facing potential closures, reduced services, and layoffs due to the funding crisis.

In response, adult education providers have raised concerns about communication and funding processes with the state. They are calling for immediate action to address these issues and ensure continued support for adult education programs across Colorado.