Adult Education Programs Squeezed By Federal Funding Freeze

A federal hold on funding for adult education programs is affecting Texans enrolled in such programs as GED classes, workforce training, and instruction in English. The Texas Standard reported $78 million the state was slated to receive for these programs this month has been paused.

Sharon Bonney, CEO of the national Coalition on Adult Basic Education, said people enrolled in adult education programs could have their studies interrupted in the next few weeks.

“Closures will start immediately,” Bonney said. “We’ve already heard from a number of local programs. This is going to be across-the-board mass closures and layoffs.”

The funding usually goes to states from the Department of Education as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act, passed in 2014.

– Gary Borders