Adult Education – Digital Instruction
🏛 Illinois Community College Board
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Oct 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for community colleges and adult education programs in Illinois serving non-traditional learners. Applicants must be Title II Adult Education programs operated by Illinois community colleges. The grant supports initiatives that enhance technology infrastructure for adult learners pursuing postsecondary education or workforce transition.
Funding covers digital learning tools, computer lab upgrades, flipped or flex classroom technology, device lending libraries, and secure technology access for justice-involved individuals. Programs must demonstrate commitment to equitable access and measurable skill gains for diverse student populations.
Eligible activities focus on technology integration, digital skills development, and removing barriers to educational access for adult learners.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Digital Instruction for Adult Education grant aims to enhance technology infrastructure and instructional capabilities in Title II Adult Education programs throughout Illinois. The funding will support initiatives that increase access to digital learning tools and improve technology integration in the classroom, especially for adult learners seeking postsecondary education or workforce transition. By addressing the challenges of technological disparities, this grant will allow adult education programs to implement digital solutions such as updated computer labs, flipped or flex classrooms, lending libraries for digital devices, and secure technology for justice-involved individuals. The overall goal is to foster measurable skill gains, equitable access to education, and successful transitions into the workforce.
This funding opportunity aligns with statewide priorities on equity and diversity, empowering adult learners by reducing barriers to technology and expanding opportunities for distance education and digital skills development. Additionally, programs receiving this grant will incorporate innovative instructional strategies and ensure that their technology resources remain up-to-date and impactful for students of all backgrounds. The funding for this grant is provided by the State of Illinois through the IL Community College Board (ICCB). A total of $2 million is allocated for the “Digital Instruction for the Adult Education” initiative under the General Revenue Fund. The grant is designed to enhance technology infrastructure and digital instruction for adult education programs. This funding aims to improve learner access to technology, increase measurable skill gains, and facilitate transitions to postsecondary education or workforce opportunities. No federal funds are involved in this grant, and no cost-sharing or matching is required from applicants. Administered by the Illinois Community College Board via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 684-00-3272).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA Grant Agreement Form
- Project Narrative describing technology initiatives and expected outcomes
- Budget narrative justifying all technology investments
- Timeline for implementation and milestones
- Evidence of institutional support from community college leadership
- Data on current technology gaps and student demographics
Program contact
- 👤 Rupa Sameer
- 📧 rupa.sameer@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-0213
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Illinois community colleges operating Title II Adult Education programs. Programs serving adults seeking postsecondary education or workforce transitions are prioritized.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. The grant description states that no cost-sharing or matching is required from applicants.
What types of projects can be funded?
Computer lab upgrades, flipped/flex classroom technology, device lending libraries, distance education infrastructure, and technology for justice-involved individuals.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is November 16, 2026. Contact the Illinois Community College Board for application details.
How much funding is available?
$2 million total is allocated statewide. Individual award amounts depend on competitiveness and program scope.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize technology's role in reducing barriers for adult learners. Connect your project directly to workforce readiness or postsecondary transitions.
- Include data or evidence that your current technology infrastructure is outdated or insufficient. Show the gap you're addressing.
- Design inclusive access for underserved populations. Highlight how justice-involved individuals, low-income adults, or other vulnerable groups will benefit.
- Focus on measurable outcomes like skill gains, completion rates, or job placement rates. The grant prioritizes equity and concrete results.
- Detail your sustainability plan. Show how technology will remain current and impactful beyond the grant period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Focusing on technology for its own sake rather than student outcomes. Align all tech investments to measurable skill gains and workforce success.
Failing to address equity in access. Applications that ignore digital disparities or don't prioritize vulnerable populations tend to score lower.
Underestimating implementation barriers. Weak plans for staff training, ongoing maintenance, or tech support will weaken competitiveness.
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