Summary of HR 2789 — Adult Education WORKS Act

Overview

HR 2789, titled the Adult Education WORKS Act (also referred to as the Adult Education Workforce Opportunity and Reskilling for Knowledge and Success Act), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 9, 2025. The introduced version includes a citation for the act’s name but does not provide the full text of the bill’s provisions in the materials at hand. The companion legislation is Senate Bill S 1400.

Purpose and Intent

• Based on the bill’s title, the core objective appears to be to expand and improve adult education programs with a focus on workforce opportunities, reskilling, and knowledge for success in the labor market.
• The aim suggested by the title is to strengthen access to adult education and to support individuals in gaining skills, credentials, or training needed to participate more effectively in the economy.

Note: The specific statutory language outlining goals, program design, funding, accountability, or performance metrics has not been provided in the available materials. A full understanding of the bill’s intent requires examining the enacted text and any accompanying reports or amendments.

Key Provisions (Not Provided in Available Text)

• The exact provisions, program requirements, funding levels, accountability standards, and implementation timelines are not included in the provided summary.
• Typical components of bills in this policy area often include:
  • Authorization of federal funding for adult education and workforce training programs
  • Coordination with state and local education agencies
  • Performance metrics and reporting requirements
  • Support for credential attainment, certifications, or recognized prior learning
  • Provisions for program accessibility, inclusive practices, and equity
  • Partnerships with employers and industry sectors

Because the text has not been shown here, the above are general expectations rather than confirmed provisions of HR 2789.

Who Would be Affected

• Adult education learners seeking foundational or advanced skills for employment
• Adult education and workforce development providers (schools, community colleges, nonprofit organizations)
• State and local education agencies responsible for administering adult education programs
• Employers and industry partners collaborating on upskilling and credentialing initiatives

Legislative Process and Timelines

• Introduced: April 9, 2025
• Referred to: House Committee on Education and the Workforce (same date)
• Next steps (typical): committee consideration and potential markup, floor debate and voting, and potential conference negotiations if there is companion legislation or differences with the Senate version.

Sponsorship and Related Legislation

• Primary Sponsor: Lucy McBath
• Cosponsors: Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Suzanne Bonamici, Frank J. Mrvan, Melanie A. Stansbury
• Related Bill: S 1400 (companion measure in the Senate)

How to Learn More

For a complete understanding, review the full text of HR 2789 on Congress.gov or the Education and Workforce Committee’s pages once the bill’s provisions are published, along with any summary texts or committee reports.