Adult Education and Literacy programs have long provided a second chance for Iowans seeking a better future. Whether helping adults earn a high school equivalency diploma, improve reading and math skills, or learn English, these programs open doors to employment, higher wages and greater independence. Research shows parents with stronger literacy skills are better equipped to support their children’s educational success. When adults struggle to access learning opportunities, the effects can ripple across generations.
That is why recent funding cuts are so concerning.
This year, Iowa lawmakers reduced state funding for Adult Education and Literacy programs by $1 million. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding federal support threatens additional funding that helps keep these programs affordable and accessible. For Kirkwood Community College, the reduction in state funding will be about $160,000 beginning in fiscal year 2027.
The timing could not be worse.
In our region, there is no shortage of students seeking these services. Adults continue to come to Kirkwood looking for opportunities to strengthen their skills, advance their careers and better support their families. Yet programs are being asked to do more with fewer resources. Beginning July 1, the state will require many Adult Education students to pass a civics assessment. Kirkwood supports this goal. Understanding how government works is essential to becoming an informed and engaged citizen. However, the requirement also creates new costs for instructional materials, testing, data management and program administration. At the same time, changes in federal eligibility requirements have increased paperwork and reporting responsibilities. Staff members now spend more time helping students navigate the process and managing compliance requirements.
In short, expectations are growing while funding is shrinking.
The impact will be felt by students and communities alike. Reduced funding could lead to longer waitlists, fewer classes and new out-of-pocket costs for learners. Many people taking these classes already face barriers to education, including higher housing, food, transportation and childcare costs. For these members of our community, even modest fees can become another significant barrier to improving their economic standing.
These cuts also reduce Kirkwood’s ability to respond quickly when communities need it most.
Recently, the college was able to launch temporary classes to help workers affected by layoffs strengthen their skills and return to the workforce. That kind of flexibility becomes more difficult when resources are limited. History shows that enrollment in adult education programs often rises during economic downturns. Adults without a high school diploma or with limited skills are often among the first affected by layoffs. These programs help them gain skills needed to remain competitive and improve long-term economic stability.
The effects extend beyond individual students. Employers depend on a skilled workforce. When fewer adults can access education and training; the pipeline of job-ready workers shrinks. That creates challenges for local businesses and can slow economic growth. Funding reductions may also affect community partnerships. Kirkwood works with nonprofit organizations across the region to offer classes in neighborhoods where students already receive other services. These partnerships make education more accessible and remove barriers to participation. Sustaining and expanding those efforts becomes more difficult when funding is reduced.
As a Kirkwood trustee, I believe Adult Education and Literacy programs are among the best investments we can make. They create opportunities for people improving their lives, strengthen families, support employers and have a substantial impact on our regional economy.
At a time when demand is strong and program requirements continue to grow, reducing support for these programs moves Iowa in the wrong direction.
A stronger workforce, stronger families and stronger communities begin with access to education. We should be investing in that future, not pulling resources away from it.