You may have seen stories in the media about state and federal budget cuts. While Dover Adult Learning Center has benefitted from significant state and federal funding it is always important for any nonprofit serving a community to be connected to the community and not overly reliant on outside funding. DALC has a generous community of support from both businesses and individuals. Our board is always looking for ways to expand community engagement and support. We remain committed to honoring our mission.
The following is based on the latest information that we have.
Federal Funds for fiscal year 2026, which had been frozen were released to the state and some were distributed to local programs in late summer 2025. A portion of FY26 federal funds had been held by the state and were redistributed via competitive grant on February 23, 2026.
Federal Budget Proposal – Adult Education at the federal level is part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); a program to support workforce development and help job seekers find jobs, acquire skills, and connect employers with qualified workers. The President proposed the elimination of this program in the next fiscal year, which for us is FY 2027. However, adult education was NOT eliminated. It was flat funded in the federal budget that passed. There is a movement in Congress to increase funding for adult education.
If you would like to write a letter of support, or thank your US Congressperson or Senator, use these links to find the contact information for our federal delegation: US Senate US House of Representatives
NH State Approved Biennial Budget– Adult education in NH is funded in two ways at the state level. There is a matched fund, whereby state funds are matched to federal funds. Currently this match remains intact and available now that federal funds have been released.
A second nonmatched fund supports the Adult High School Diploma Program in which in-school students can complete credits in a non-traditional setting such as evening classes or online options. The funding for this has program been removed and replaced with a requirement that local schools pay tuition for these services. Because many schools already either pay tuition or provide financial support to adult education programs, this source of funds has not been replaced.
If you would like to donate, use the link on the right.
Please feel free to contact Executive Director Deanna Strand with additional questions.
Our Mission
Dover Adult Learning Center of Strafford County helps all adults who seek to learn, enhance their skills and improve their lives through education, job preparation, high school completion and enrichment classes. We help our students become more effective lifelong learners, family members, workers and citizens.
