Voices for Adult Education Rally

Emergency Rally: Voices for Adult Education

Dear IAACE Members,

We are in a moment of crisis—and we need every voice in Indiana’s adult education community to speak up.

On July 1, the U.S. Department of Education withheld the annual release of federal funding for both the Adult Education State Grant and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) programs. These funds were approved by Congress under the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution and authorized by WIOA. There is no legal basis for the delay.

But the consequences are real and immediate:

• Our Programs are in limbo

• Budgets are up in the air

• Students are being put on hold

• Entire communities are at risk of losing vital educational services

This is not just a funding delay—it’s a direct threat to opportunity, equity, and economic progress.

Adult education serves 1.2 million learners across the country. Here in Indiana, thousands rely on our programs for access to basic education, English language instruction, high school equivalency credentials, digital literacy skills, and workforce training.

IAACE Board Invites all Program Leadership to a Virtual Rally

We must raise our voices—together.

Thursday at 9:00 AM ET
Zoom: LINK

“Voices for Adult Education Rally” will focus on:

• Using COABE’s 3-Click Tool to Contact your legislators
• Getting students involved in raising their voice
• Sharing the real impact this delay is already having on Indiana programs
• Brainstorming worst-case scenarios—layoffs, class shutdowns, enrollment freezes
• Exploring alternatives: local partnerships, emergency outreach funds, and how to survive short-term cuts

This is a rally for program leadership. I know you care about adult education, and your voice matters. Your presence will be powerful.

Action Starts Now

Please don’t wait. Use the COABE advocacy tool today and urge your lawmakers to pressure OMB to release the funds now:

Click here to take action

It only takes 30 seconds and could save Adult Education as we know it.

 Share the Message

After you’ve taken action, share it on social media. Use the hashtag:
#FundFuturesFundAdultEd and tag  @IAACE and @COABE to amplify our message nationwide.

What Happens if the Delay Continues?

We’ll talk about it during the rally—but you already know the answer:

• Student intake paused or canceled

• Hard-won progress lost

• Community trust eroded

• Staff furloughs or layoffs

We’re not just talking about budgets. We’re talking about futures.

Thank you for standing up and speaking out. Thank you for being the voice of Indiana’s adult learners when they need it most.

We’ll see you Thursday morning. Let’s rally.

In partnership,
Jennifer Wigginton
Executive Director
Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE)

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn