Eligibility Screening for 2027–2031 WIOA, Title II: AEFLA
Overview - Application Submission Process
The California Department of Education (CDE), Adult Education Office (AEO) is requesting applications from eligible providers to offer adult education and literacy services throughout California for program years (PYs) 2027–2031. This competitive opportunity for WIOA, Title II: AEFLA funding is administered through a two-part Request for Applications (RFA) process summarized below. Complete RFA information, including errata and frequently asked questions (FAQ), will be posted on the CDE website through the 2027–2031 RFA web page. This site serves as the online portal and all submissions must be made through this site only. The CDE will not accept mailed or emailed applications or applications submitted after the deadlines.
Part One: Eligibility Screening
Eligibility Screening is a required pre-application step that determines baseline eligibility to participate in this AEFLA competition. Submission of Eligibility Screening does not constitute an application for funding and does not create any obligation on the part of the CDE.
All organizations that intend to deliver AEFLA funded services must electronically submit all required Eligibility Screening components including provider information, demonstrated effectiveness data, a pre-award risk assessment, and applicable audit documentation.
The CDE will review all Eligibility Screening submissions. Organizations that meet the Eligibility Screening requirements will receive an email invitation to proceed to Part Two: Application for AEFLA Funding and a unique PIN number.
Eligibility Screening must be submitted by 4:59 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) on October 6, 2026.
Part Two: Application for AEFLA Funding
Only providers that have passed Eligibility Screening may submit an application in this portion of the process. Interested eligible providers must return to this online portal to submit their application before the deadline.
Before getting started with their application, applicants must first decide if they are interested in participating as a single eligible provider or as part of a WIOA Consortium. The unique PIN number included in the email invitation will be required to make this selection within the online portal. Once a selection has been made, it cannot be changed without assistance from the AEO.
Application materials include administrative and fiscal information, prior-year enrollment data, projected enrollment data, and required narrative responses.
Applications must be submitted by 4:59 p.m. PT on December 10, 2026.
Getting Started
Interested providers are strongly encouraged to:
- read the full RFA information.
- draft responses using the Word Document before proceeding.
- coordinate online application access amongst team members.
Only one Eligibility Screening submittal per organization is permitted. Duplicate users and/or organizations will be unable to save and continue through the software application.
Are you ready to get started with Eligibility Screening or continue where you left off? You must first acknowledge that you have read the instructions before proceeding.