JOBS Act of 2025
Bipartisan Bill Proposes Expanding Pell Grants to Cover Short-Term Career Training Programs
A bill to extend Federal Pell Grant eligibility of certain short-term programs.
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress is considering a bill that would allow students to use Federal Pell Grants for short-term job training programs. These programs would last between 8 and 15 weeks, helping people get the skills they need for a new career in just a few months rather than years.
- To qualify for the money, the training programs must lead to a certificate or license that local employers recognize. This ensures that students are learning skills for "in-demand" jobs, such as those in healthcare, manufacturing, or transportation, where workers are needed right away.
- The bill requires schools to make sure these short-term credits can be used toward a full college degree later. This means a student who starts with a quick certificate doesn't have to start from scratch if they decide to go back to school for a longer program in the future.
- If the bill becomes law, the changes would take effect on July 1, 2025. It would also make it easier for students to qualify for smaller grant amounts, ensuring that even those in very short programs can get some financial help to pay for their training.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
4 articles
Applying for college financial aid? Here's what's different about this year's FAFSA
The program has expanded through the 'Workforce Pell Grant,' allowing aid for short-term job training (8-15 weeks). While providing new access for career-focused students, experts at the Institute for College Access & Success question if there is sufficient funding to sustain the expansion.
Short-Term Pell Grants and What They Mean for Colleges
Congress approved extending Pell Grants to cover programs 8 to 15 weeks long. The law sets eligibility requirements for completion rates and earnings outcomes, pushing colleges to align with workforce needs. Grants will be awarded starting in July 2026, targeting vocational and technical skills.
House education committee clears short-term Pell bill
The House education committee cleared a bill allowing students to use Pell grants for job training programs as short as eight weeks. Chairwoman Virginia Foxx called it a 'true pipeline' for rewarding careers, while Rep. Bobby Scott praised the bipartisan agreement's quality assurance measures.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A bill to extend Federal Pell Grant eligibility of certain short-term programs.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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