The state is aligning WIOA Title IB policy with the Title II Illinois Adult Education definition for bridge programs outlined in the Career Pathways Dictionary. Adopting this definition increases collaboration among WIOA partner programs and ultimately creates greater efficiency in the overall workforce system. The result is optimal performance outcomes for the entire system and seamless service delivery to the participant.

This policy conveys the design of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)’s Adult Education Program bridge program. 

1. Bridge programs prepare adults with limited academic or English skills to enter and succeed in credit-bearing postsecondary education and training, leading to career-path employment in high-demand, middle- and high-skilled occupations.
2. The goal of bridge programs is to sequentially bridge the gap between individuals' initial skills and what they need to enter and succeed in postsecondary education and career-path employment.
3. Bridge programs assist students in obtaining the necessary academic, employability, and technical skills through three components: contextualized instruction, career development, and support services. 
4. Required elements of bridge programs include:
   1. Contextualized instruction that integrates basic reading, math, and language skills and industry/occupation knowledge;
   2. Career development that includes career exploration, career planning within a career area, and understanding the world of work (specific elements depend upon the level of the bridge program and on whether participants are already incumbent workers in the specific field); and
   3. Transition services that provide students with the information and assistance they need to successfully navigate the process of moving from adult education or remedial coursework to credit or occupational programs.  Services may include (as needed and available): 
      1. Academic advising;
      2. Tutoring;
      3. Study skills;
      4. Coaching; and
      5. Referrals to individual support services.
5. Bridge programs are intended for adults with reading levels below the 9th grade. They are necessary for adults to enter and succeed in an Integrated Career & Academic Preparation System (ICAPS)/Integrated Education and Training (IET) program. 
   1. The Adult Education Bridge Programs Lead to ICAPS attachment (See Attachments tab) includes a graphic illustration.
6. If an individual enters the system and has a reading level below the ninth (9th) grade, they should be referred to Title II Adult Education. Their programs offer contextualized curricula based on the individual's reading level.
7. Career planners must ensure a strong partnership with their local Title II Adult Education counterparts so that the proper referrals/handoffs are made.