Washington, D.C. - Today, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act which Congresswoman Elise Stefanik introduced along with Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), and Education and the Workforce Committee Ranking Member Robert C. Scott (D-VA) advanced from committee following a markup. Passage from this markup sets this bill up for consideration by the full House.
“I am proud to have my bill, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act, advance to the House floor. This critical, bipartisan legislation will unlock skills development opportunities and help connect workers with high-demand career fields,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “Our skills education system is changing and a four-year degree is not a requirement for success. Many in-demand careers require skills that can be gained from a short-term program. Federal policy isn’t aligned with this reality and needs to recognize that there are more pathways to a good job after high school than just a degree.”
Specifically, the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act would:
- Helps low-income students participate in short-term programs to move into a job quickly.
- Creates a quality assurance system for Workforce Pell Grant programs—allowing any type of education provider to participate as long as they meet all the requirements.
- Guarantees that program prices are aligned with economic value, so students and taxpayers receive a positive return on investment.
- Ensures programs provide students with relevant education and competencies necessary for employment.
- Outlines a process for recognized accreditors to oversee Workforce Pell programs at the institutions they accredit and supports the on-ramp of new expert accreditors to oversee Workforce Pell programs, minimizing the time it will take for full implementation of Workforce Pell.
