This week, the Department of Labor announced several new opportunities and resources for workforce development. Meanwhile, the Department of Education continues to work on this fall’s FAFSA rollout and Title IX implementation as the 2024-2025 school year draws near. In Congress, August recess is in full swing. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your members locally, and you can still contact their DC staff via the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121). Keep reading for more information! 

• Department of Education Announces New Schedule and Process to Launch 2025-2026 FAFSA Form: The Department of Education announced that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® form) will be launched through a new process. Starting on October 1, the Department will release the 2025-26 FAFSA form for testing with a limited set of students and institutions. The Department will make the application available to all students on or before December 1. 

• Title IX Regulations Continue to Face Legal Challenges: Last week, the Biden Administration’s new Title IX regulations took effect in some states but continue to face legal challenges in 26 states and over 100 schools in others. Most recently, a federal judge ruled that the regulations cannot be enforced in Oklahoma.  

• Department of Agriculture Announces New Resource: The Department of Agriculture shared a new resource for workforce development professionals in rural communities, the USDA Rural Workforce Guide for Rural Workforce Development. This outlines a four-part approach to building a skilled rural workforce. 

• Department of Labor Announces Webinar in Preparation of National Apprenticeship Week: The Department of Labor announced a webinar, “National Apprenticeship Week 2024” for August 21. They plan to share information on how to register events and submit proclamations, and resources for planning and promoting events in anticipation of National Apprenticeship Week. 

• Biden Administration Announces Next Phase of Good Jobs Challenge: The Department of Commerce launched a new phase of funding for the Good Jobs Challenge, providing an opportunity to build off the success of the first round of the Good Jobs Challenge awards and investing $25 million into high-quality, locally led workforce training programs that lead to good jobs. 

• New Funding Opportunity with YouthBuild Grant Program: The Department of Labor announced a new funding opportunity for the YouthBuild Grant program to support organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship services to opportunity youth aged 16 to 24. The Department will fund approximately 75 projects nationwide with individual grants ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million.  

• Department of Labor Announces New Initiative to Train the Semiconductor Workforce: The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Chips for America Research and Development Office have announced a collaborative effort to advance semiconductor workforce development with the intent of creating a National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME), supported by a Network Coordination Hub.  

Today, ACTE is releasing a new resource, Staffing Outside the Box: Strategies for Addressing CTE Teacher Shortages.

Providing learners with access to qualified instructors with relevant occupational experience and teaching skills is one of the most important and challenging aspects of providing high-quality secondary CTE programs.

Ideally, CTE programs can find staff who meet both requirements: A fully licensed teacher with experience in pedagogy and classroom management as well as relevant and up-to-date industry knowledge and skills. But when the ideal isn’t available, CTE programs and institutions have a long history of innovating to ensure students have access to industry expertise and competent teachers.

This publication, sponsored by eDynamic Learning, explores considerations and provide examples for addressing CTE teacher shortages in the short and medium term through such methods as bringing industry experts into the classroom, sharing faculty across subject areas and institutions, and providing virtual learning opportunities.

Senate appropriators on Aug. 1 released and passed the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies funding bill. The bill would provide $80 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education, representing a little more than a 1% increase for the Department of Education, which is in sharp contrast to the 14% cut the House Appropriations Committee approved last month. 

The bill passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 25-3. In some good news for CTE, the bill provides a $35 million increase over FY 2024 for the Perkins Basic State Grant. That represents a 2.5% increase. Appropriators are also proposing a $10 million increase for CTE National Activities, which would be used for the department’s Career-connected High Schools initiative. ACTE and partners have raised concerns about this initiative. 

Other highlights in the bill include: 

• $100 increase to the maximum Pell Grant, bringing the award to $7,495 

• Flat funding for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants at $65 million 

• $280 million increase for the Every Student Succeeds (ESSA) Title I Grants for local education agencies 

• $100 million increase for the Office of Federal Student Aid 

Highlights for the Department of Labor include: 

• $2.9 billion for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) formula grants, equal to FY 2024 

• $290 million for Registered Apprenticeships, a $5 million increase over FY 2024 

• $110 million for YouthBuild 

With the August recess in full swing, it is not yet clear when this bill will move forward. Appropriators will likely continue negotiations well after the fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. In the meantime, lawmakers will likely pursue a continuing resolution to keep the government open after Sept. 30 and give legislators more time to finalize the spending bills.  

As Congress continues this work, ACTE will be advocating for a robust investment in CTE as well as other critical programs that increase access to learners of all ages.

This past week was the Senate’s final one before adjourning for the August recess and the Senate Appropriations Committee met to approve its fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies spending bill. The House has already adjourned. The Senate Appropriations Committee met this week to approve its fiscal year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies spending bill. The August recess is an excellent time to connect with your lawmakers and advocate for the highest funding level possible for CTE. Keep reading for more updates! 

• Senate Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2025 Education Funding Bill: In a 25-3 vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill provides $80 billion in discretionary funding for the Department of Education. In some good news for CTE, the bill provides a $35 million increase for the Perkins State Grant as well as a $10 million increase for CTE National Activities.  

• Senate Commerce Committee Advances Bipartisan AI-related Bills: The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved eight bipartisan bills, as amended, relating to research, testing and education on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. According to Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the committee, the bills are intended to ensure “good, strong public-private partnership collaboration to drive innovation” in the development and adoption of AI systems. 

• Labor Department Announces $45 Million in Available Funding to Improve Employment Opportunities for Young People Affected by Violence and Poverty: The Department of Labor today announced the availability of $45 million in funding to support programs to provide skills training through work-based learning, employment services, educational support and mentorship to young adults, ages 15 to 24, in communities affected by violence, crime and poverty.  

• Education Department Releases Guide on Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education: On July 31, the Department of Education issued a new resource guide, “Free to Learn: Leading Inclusive Learning Environments in Higher Education,” aimed at fostering safe and inclusive campuses through the Israel-Hamas conflict and beyond. This guide is intended for leadership and staff of institutions of higher education. 

This was the House’s final week in session before adjourning for August recess. The Senate will follow next week and both chambers will spend a little over a month in their states and districts. This is an excellent time to connect with your lawmakers and advocate for CTE, especially as back-to-school activities and preparation commence. Meanwhile, the Administration is preparing for a new school year as they continue to work on FAFSA and Title IX implementation. Keep reading for more details! 

• New Title IX Regulations Blocked in 21 States: A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Department of Education cannot enforce  e its new Title IX regulations, set to take effect Aug. 1, in Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska or South Dakota,  Additionally, the Biden Administration has asked the Supreme Court to partially lift two lower-court injunctions blocking  the rule from taking effect in ten states, aiming to expand access. 

• New Grant Opportunity with YouthBuild Grant Program: The Department of Labor will fund approximately 75 projects nationwide with grants ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million as part of their YouthBuild Program, which supports organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship services, including education, occupational skills training and employment services. Eligible organizations must apply by September 16. 

• Department of Labor Shares Apprenticeship Connections Newsletter: The Department of Labor shared their Apprenticeship Connections Newsletter to provide updates on new technical assistance resources, grantee reporting updates and reminders, grantee projects and innovative apprenticeship strategies, upcoming events and apprenticeship in the news. 

• House Subpoenas Department of Education Over FAFSA: Several members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce have subpoenaed the Department of Education officials over documents they hope will share more information over  issues surrounding the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) . This follows a letter sent to the Department from five national associations urging Cardona to offer a fully functional FAFSA, even if that means a delay. 

• Senator Warren Introduces Legislation to Codify Chevron Doctrine: Sen. Elizabeth  Warren (D-MA) recently introduced the Stop Corporate Capture Act, which would require federal courts to give deference to agencies’ reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes. This is relevant to the education community because the overturning of Chevron deference could dramatically impact the power the Department of Education has to issue regulations affecting states. 

• National Center for Education Research Announces New Grants: The National Center for Education Research made 42 awards in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 under the Education Research grant program.  Among these awards for two were for  CTE projects, “Assessing the Quality and Reach of Student Pathways to Economic Security: Building Evidence to Enhance the Impact of NYC Pathways Initiatives” and “High School CTE Credentials and Postsecondary Outcomes in Pennsylvania: Implementation, Impact, and Cost.” 

Fortifying America’s Future: Pathways for Competitiveness: The Aspen Strategy Group at the Aspen Institute has published a report with the recommendations from thinkers throughout business, education, nonprofit and national security sectors to strengthen the U.S. education system, protect national competitiveness and identify key industries like semiconductor manufacturing.

Top recommendations below:

• Leverage the national security community’s bipartisan support to create a sense of urgency in improving the U.S. education and career pathway ecosystem. Combine funding streams to promote work-based learning, flexibility of public-private partnerships and better coordination of high-quality pathways beginning in K-12.
• Since 92% of future careers need digital skills, promote STEM mastery and computer science through evidence-based practices. Learners with high exposure to technology-related topics are 2.6 times more likely to declare a STEM major and 5.3 times more likely to eventually be employed in a STEM field. 

U.S. Workers and Their Levels of Exposure to AI By Profession: A recently published report by the Pew Research Center examined the levels at which U.S. workers across multiple fields and professions are exposed to artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers classified 19% of workers as having high AI exposure jobs, with exposure being higher for jobs that require more education.

More findings below:

• Nearly 13 million men and 14.6 million women worked a high AI exposure job in fields like office administration, auditing and accounting.
• Workers in more AI-exposed industries like information and technology; professional, scientific and technical services; and banking, finance, accounting and real estate perceive less economic risk from AI.
• High AI exposure jobs require diverse types of skillsets, with 59% using fundamental skills like critical thinking, 48% using analytical skills, 34% managerial and 26% social skills.

Aligning State Systems to Support Students: The National Conference of State Legislatures has published a report that analyzes how states are working to support community college goals of responding to the nation’s workforce needs by aligning, connecting and coordinating efforts across state agencies, postsecondary institutions, businesses and labor partners. Researchers discovered that several states are merging or redesigning their workforce systems to avoid program duplication and streamline support processes for learners.

Highlights of innovative efforts across states below:

• In 2023, Virginia passed B.1470 to create a new department with oversight of all workforce development activities and streamline over 1,500 state programs.
• In 2023, Texas passed B.2315 to consolidate workforce development programs administered across various state agencies into one.
• In 2019, Arkansas passed B. 522 to create a statewide workforce development system, reduce program duplication and create a catalog of industry-recognized credentials, among other things.
• In 2021, Delaware passed B.166 to create the Elevate Program, providing up to $10,000 per learner in approved noncredit programs identified by the Workforce Development Board.

Congress took recess this week and will return for the next two weeks before their lengthy August recess, which lasts five weeks and ends in early September. While the recess made for a relatively quiet week in Washington, the Department of Labor has announced several new funding opportunities and resources for workforce development opportunities while the Department of Education continues to navigate technology in education. Keep reading for more updates!  

• Department of Labor Announces Grants to Help Community Colleges Improve Access to High-Quality Training: The Department of Labor announced the availability of $65 million in funding to support programs that help community colleges scale affordable, high-quality workforce training that meets employers’ and workers’ skill development needs in critical industry sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors and biotechnology. Grant applications are due September 24, 2024.  

• Department of Labor Announces Funding to Deliver Education, Occupational Skills Training, Job Services to Young People: The Department of Labor announced the availability of $99 million in funding to support YouthBuild programs that deliver pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries including construction, clean energy, healthcare, infrastructure, information technology and hospitality. Grant applications are due September 16, 2024.  

• Department of Labor Awards $13.9M to Fund Pilot Programs to Deliver Info-Technology Skills, Training, Job Services to Job Corps Students: The Department of Labor today announced the award of up to $3.9 million in funding to Management and Training Corp. and up to $9.9 million to the Net America Corp. to support demonstration projects that provide information technology training and employment services to students. 

• Department of Labor Announces New Resources: The Department of Labor published new resources on WIOA and Youth Apprenticeship. 

• Biden Administration Cancels Student Loans for Public Service Workers: The Department of Education announced relief for roughly 35,000 borrowers made through changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which benefits workers such as teachers, nurses and firefighters. Those qualifying for forgiveness have their remaining loan balance eliminated after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. 

• Department of Education Resource on Education and Artificial Intelligence: The Department of Education released “Designing for Education with Artificial Intelligence: An Essential Guide for Developers,” a resource for education technology community members as they work to establish safety, security and trust while creating artificial intelligence (AI) products and services for use in education, building on the “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning” report from 2023. 

• Title IX Now Blocked in Over 700 More Schools: A recent court ruling barred the Department of Education from enforcing its new Title IX rule at colleges attended by members of two conservative student groups. Hundreds of colleges across the country are affected, weeks before the rule is set to go into effect on August 1. For more information on the new Title IX regulations, check out the CTE Policy Watch Blog. 

• Federal Communications Commission Approves Adding Wi-fi Hotspots to E-Rate Program: The Federal Communications Commission approved a rule allowing schools to use federal E-rate funding to pay for Wi-Fi hotspots for students who don’t have adequate access to internet and broadband services at home.  

• The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Enforces Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect on July 18, requiring covered employers to provide “reasonable accommodation” to a qualified employee’s or applicant’s known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.