Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation last week that would extend federal student loan eligibility to students in short-term postsecondary CTE programs. Under current law, students enrolled in postsecondary training programs less than 600 clock hours and 15 weeks in length are ineligible for financial aid, leaving many high-quality CTE programs linked to economically in-demand skills out of reach for potential students.
The CTE Opportunity Act (S. 2795) would lower the eligibility threshold to 250 clock hours over 5 weeks with a qualifier that the program must result in an industry-recognized credential needed in the local, state or regional economy. While this bill doesn’t open all high-quality CTE programs to aid opportunities, it will make a significant impact on many students around the country, helping them to receive the necessary skills to start or further their career.
ACTE received feedback from its members in many states about the need to address aid eligibility for CTE programs, and worked with Sen. Baldwin’s office throughout the development of this legislation. We support the CTE Opportunity Act and thank the Senator for her continual support of CTE issues.
Do you have a program at your postsecondary institution that could benefit from the shortened clock hours requirement? Let me know in the comments section.
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