Recognizing the benefits short-term postsecondary CTE programs have for students, job-seekers, employers and the economy, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) introduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses by supporting Students (JOBS) Act (S. 2033).
Current law restricts Pell grant eligibility to programs of at least 300 clock hours of instruction over a minimum of 16 weeks. This limitation leaves out short-term postsecondary CTE programs with a proven record of efficiently preparing students with the skills need for today’s in-demand careers and for further education.
Sen. Landrieu’s JOBS Act would extend Pell grant eligibility to students enrolled in CTE programs that are at least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a minimum of 8 weeks, are aligned to local or regional workforce needs and that provide students with an industry-recognized credential. Recipients of these job training Pell grants would still have to meet the same student eligibility criteria as traditional Pell recipients.
ACTE has been advocating in Congress for expanding access to postsecondary education through financial aid eligibility for students in short-term postsecondary CTE programs, and we strongly support Sen. Landrieu’s JOBS Act which will expand access and connect students with rewarding careers.
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