H.R. 3587 — Investing in Digital Skills Act

This section adds to the definitions in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) the term "digital literacy skills," defined by reference to section 202 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101) (i.e., the skills associated with using technology to enable users to find, evaluate, organize, create, and communicate information and developing digital citizenship and the responsible use of technology).

This section amends the purposes of adult education and literacy activities under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to include digital literacy skills necessary for employment, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation in all aspects of adult life (previously, for employment and economic self-sufficiency) and, for English language learners, to improve digital literacy skills alongside reading, writing, speaking, comprehension, and mathematics skills. The section further amends WIOA definitions to (1) include development and use of digital technology skills within adult education and literacy activities; (2) incorporate digital skills activities offered in conjunction with other adult education and literacy activities within family literacy activities; (3) define family literacy activities to include digital literacy activities enabling parents or family members to support their children's learning; and (4) expand "workplace preparation activities" to require proficiency in using digital technology to function effectively as an employee, parent or family member, and society member. (As background, Title II of WIOA—the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act—provides formula grants to states for voluntary programs serving adults lacking basic skills, including literacy, English acquisition, high school equivalency, and workforce preparation.)