This week, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) reintroduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act.
This bipartisan legislation would expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce training programs between 150-600 clock hours over a period of at least 8 weeks.
Additionally, the JOBS Act would ensure students are receiving high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that credentials:
- Meet standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs and appear on the WIOA Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
- Align with the Perkins definition of a “program of study”
- Are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships
- Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy
- Are evaluated by an accrediting agency and approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education
In total, JOBS is currently co-sponsored by 35 Senators with 22 Democrats,12 Republicans, and 1 independent.
This is a longtime priority for the CTE community, and ACTE has been a strong supporter for the bill for many years. We will continue to advocate for this bill throughout this Congress and work with the bill’s lead sponsors to continue to build support.
