Adult education in Eastern Europe is experiencing limited funding and at the same time stiff competition from other agencies and institutions. The status of the Volkschochschule, or folk high school, is of particular importance. Private trade and commercial schools, as well as universities, are searching for new clients and offering both general and specialized courses for adults. Low literate youth and adults who lack job skills are in need of education. For example, immigrant laborers are demanding citizenship and better economic packages, including educational benefits for their children. Yet, reductions in local and national funding are forcing schools to operate below adequate levels. Given the diminishing resources, who is going to serve the adult population, including older adults, those who experience disabilities, and those who lack job related skills? This article, based on a series of interviews in Denmark, East Germany, and West Germany, looks at some of the social, political, and economic problems, especially as they relate to the folk high schools in these countries.