ActiveAtlas Opportunity Score 90/100
Colorado 2026-2028 Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Competition
Colorado CDE has opened its 2026-2028 AEFLA competition with $11.65 million available for adult education and literacy services. A required Intent to Apply is due October 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT and the full GAINS application is due October 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT.
Funding$11,653,664.26 total for 2026-2028: $9,166,979.84 general AEFLA funds after the corrections set-aside, plus $1,468,131.10 for IELCE; awards vary by approved scope and applicant. A 35% match is required.
DeadlineRequired Intent to Apply: October 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT. Narrative application due in GAINS: October 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT.
Last verified2026-09-19
Required next actionEligible Colorado adult-education providers should submit the required Intent to Apply by October 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT, confirm demonstrated-effectiveness and 35% match requirements, select the appropriate AEFLA/Corrections/IELCE service model, obtain GAINS access, and submit the complete narrative application by October 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM MT.
Broad Eligibility
Eligible providers within Colorado that satisfy federal WIOA/AEFLA requirements and CDE's demonstrated-effectiveness criteria may apply to establish or operate comprehensive adult education and literacy programs. Applicants may pursue general AEFLA, corrections education and/or IELCE funding, subject to the RFA's provider, program, fiscal and match requirements.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score 90/100. This is a substantial statewide adult-education and workforce opportunity with more than $11.6 million available, broad literacy/workforce service models and a 35% match requirement. N9+ Direct Vendor Fit 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit 0/100. The verified scope is adult education and literacy rather than clinical care, connected physical examination, telehealth delivery or clinician coverage, so Atlas should publish and track it without initiating N9+ or QC applicant outreach unless a material amendment creates an explicit clinical-technology pathway.
The Colorado Department of Education Office of Adult Education Initiatives has opened the 2026-2028 Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) competition for eligible Colorado adult-education providers. CDE lists $11,653,664.26 in total available funding for the January 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028 period, contingent on federal appropriations and grantee performance.
Allowable services include adult basic and secondary education, English language acquisition, family literacy, workforce preparation, workplace education, integrated education and training, corrections education, and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education. Applicants may apply for combinations of general AEFLA, corrections-education and IELCE funding and must demonstrate a 35% match on requested funds.
A required Intent to Apply is open through October 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. The complete narrative application must be submitted through CDE’s GAINS system by October 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 90/100. This is a substantial statewide adult-education and workforce grant with broad allowable literacy, workforce-preparation and integrated education/training activities. N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The verified RFA is structured around adult education and literacy services rather than clinical care, connected physical examination, telehealth delivery or clinician coverage. Atlas should retain the opportunity for education/workforce funding intelligence but should not initiate N9+ or QC applicant outreach unless a later amendment expressly creates a material clinical-technology pathway.
Source verification: Colorado Department of Education Adult Education Initiatives. Always use the current CDE RFA, GAINS instructions, amendments and FAQ as controlling sources.
Source verificationReferenced source · ed.cde.state.co.usAtlas last verified this record 2026-09-19. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗
