Agenda Item
i. Grant Acceptance of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Grant Award ~ State Funding: $100,000 and Federal Funding: $422,559 (Total Allocation: $522,559) ~ Updated 9.5.2025
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education accept the FY 26-29 Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) Grant Award from the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and approve the District to expend the funds as awarded. State Funding: $100,000 and Federal Funding: $422,559. Total Award Amount: $522,559.
Why: On June 24, 2025, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) announced the funding amount for the multi-year competitive grant awarded to the DeKalb County School District Adult Education and Family Literacy Program, earmarked for July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2029. The award amount includes AEFLA federal funding along with matching state funds, totaling a projected allocation of $522,559. per year. The scope of activities under the AEFLA grant include:
Adult Basic Education
English Language Acquisition services
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education
Family Literacy
Due to the federal delay with the release of funds through the Department of Education, this item is now being introduced for consideration during the September Board meeting.
Approving AEFLA funding for the next four years will ensure continued support for critical adult education services in DeKalb County, including Adult Basic Education, English Language Services, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education, and Family Literacy. These programs address essential literacy and language skills needed for employment, civic engagement, and family success. The program effectively serves diverse learners, including immigrants and low-literacy adults, helping them achieve educational gains and workforce readiness.
Sustained funding will allow the district to maintain strong outcomes for DCSD stakeholders and the community, expand access, and align adult education with local economic and workforce priorities. Multi-year support promotes program stability, capacity building, and community impact, ultimately contributing to individual empowerment and regional growth.
Details: This Multi-Year Grant will continue to support ABE classes at the following locations:
Cross Keys HS
Elizabeth Andrews HS (EAHS)
Goodwill of North GA
McNair HS
Sequoyah MS
Support for ESL Classes offered at:
Cross Keys HS
Elisabeth Andrews HS (EAHS)
Goodwill of North GA
Sequoyah MS
Development and Implementation of an IELCE and Workforce Development Program at:
Ethiopian Community Center of Atlanta
This grant will also continue the Integrated Education Training (IET) and Workforce Development Program, supported by internal partnerships with DCSD Operations First Choice program, CTAE, and School Nutrition, as well as external partnerships with Georgia Power Workforce Development, Goodwill of North Georgia and WorkSource DeKalb.
The Family Literacy program will provide targeted support to a cohort of 30 adult education families whose children attend DCSD schools. These activities will engage GED students and their families to improve adult literacy, enhance parenting skills and promote academic success for children. The work of the Family Literacy program is supported by the DCSD Early Learning Program, Educational Media, and the DeKalb County Public Library.
Financial impact: Community Engagement and Innovative Partnerships ~ Adult Education (510), TCSG AEFLA Federal and State Matching Grant
State: $100,000., Federal: $ 422,559.
Contact: Mrs. Jennifer Caracciolo, Interim Chief of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 404.263.3597
Dr. Damienne Denham Shabazz, Senior Coordinator, Division of Community Engagement & Innovative Partnerships, 678.559.4591
Effective: Upon Board Approval
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs
Technical College
System of Georgia
Brian P. Kemp Gregory C. Dozier
Governor Commissioner
August 13, 2025
Dr. Devon Horton
Superintendent
DeKalb County School System
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Dear Dr. Horton,
Congratulations on being selected as an adult education service provider through the
Technical College System of Georgia's competitive grant process. The grant award period
is from July 1,2025, through June 30,2029, subject to an annual renewal process.
Your official Grant Award Notification (GAN) is attached to this letter. The allocations and terms
for this GAN are for Fiscal Year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
During this period, you will receive $522,559.00 to operate your adult education program. The
chart below details the amount of funding you will receive under each funding stream.
Funding
Funding Purpose Allocation
Source
State Grant Adult Education Matching Funds $ I 00,000.00
Federal231 General Adult Education $367,559.00
Federal231 Family Literacy $5,000.00
Federal225 Corrections Education
Federal243 Integrated English Literacy & Civics Education $50,000.00
TOTAL
$522,559.00
ALLOCATION