The new workforce Pell Grant program will introduce eligibility criteria for programs seeking federal grants, designating those that offer a minimum of 150 but less than 600 clock hours of instruction. Eligible institutions must provide education that is aligned with the requirements of high-skill, high-wage industries. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that institutions provide clear disclosures about costs and student outcomes associated with these programs, which is expected to improve transparency and facilitate informed decision-making for prospective students.
Summary
House Bill 1655, known as the Jobs to Compete Act, amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend Federal Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce programs. The bill aims to provide funding for students enrolled in eligible workforce programs, which include programs that meet specific duration and instructional requirements. This change is intended to enhance access to financial aid for individuals seeking vocational training that aligns with in-demand job sectors, thereby promoting workforce development and economic growth.
Contention
Notably, there may be debates surrounding the bill regarding its implementation and the criteria set for program eligibility, particularly in terms of accreditation and quality assurance of the workforce programs. Concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of short-term programs in meeting labor market demands and whether the funds are adequately allocated to genuinely beneficial programs. Additionally, the potential for limited funding and competition for grants may lead to unequal access to resources among different institutions.
Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning Act or the PELL Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grants Program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible short-term programs. Eligible programs are those that provide 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and meet other eligibility criteria. An accrediting agency or association recognized by ED must determine a program's eligibility based on several criteria, including that the program provides education aligned with the requirements of in-demand industry sectors and occupations and meets specified completion and job placement rates. ED must annually collect and publish information on the College Scorecard regarding each eligible program, including job outcomes. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.
Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning Act or the PELL Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grants Program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible short-term programs. Eligible programs are those that provide 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and meet other eligibility criteria. An accrediting agency or association recognized by ED must determine a program's eligibility based on several criteria, including that the program provides education aligned with the requirements of in-demand industry sectors and occupations and meets specified completion and job placement rates. ED must annually collect and publish information on the College Scorecard regarding each eligible program, including job outcomes. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.