SB 20-009 Summary

• Expands the Adult Education and Literacy Grant Program to fund both workforce development partnerships and new "education attainment partnerships" that connect adult education providers with K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions.

• Broadens the definition of eligible "adult education providers" to include a wider range of entities such as community-based nonprofits, Indian tribes, libraries, literacy councils, businesses, volunteer organizations, and workforce boards.

• Adds emphasis on serving lowest-level learners (those who haven't completed ninth grade) and recognizes that adult literacy impacts children's educational success through a two-generation approach to breaking cycles of poverty.

• Requires grant applicants to demonstrate experience serving adults in attaining employment, postsecondary education, and civic participation, including supporting children's academic achievement.

• Updates reporting requirements to reference the federal "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act" and directs increased collaboration among adult education, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce development programs.