Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), along with Congressman Andy Levin (D-Mich), Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), Congressman Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), Congressman John Katko (R-N.Y.), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) introduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, a bill that expands high-quality workforce development opportunities for students and workers. The JOBS Act broadens Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality, short-term programs that can launch graduates into successful careers while also giving them paths to two- or four-year degrees.

“As the founder of the bipartisan Future of Work Caucus, one of my priorities since coming to Congress has been ensuring that young people have access to high-quality education and job training programs,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “By expanding Pell grant eligibility for short-term job training programs, the JOBS Act provides those opportunities and expands access to programs that would otherwise be inaccessible, particularly for low-income individuals. As we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic the JOBS Act will help provide critical workforce development opportunities for the American people.”

“Our economy is only as strong as the next generation of American workers, particularly those facing the consequences of our country’s massive income and wealth inequality,” said Rep. Levin. “The key to ensuring young Americans transition seamlessly into good-paying careers is to make sure that high-quality education and job training is affordable and accessible. Pell Grants have helped millions of Americans earn a better education and find a better job. I could not be more excited to partner with colleagues in both parties and both chambers to advance this vital piece of legislation.”

“Although it’s always been important, accessibility to workforce training has never been more crucial in our economy,” said Dr. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College. “This legislation will make it possible for people who have suffered job losses or other negative impacts due to the pandemic to start a new career that will allow them to support their families. Employers will also benefit as it will provide them with a high-quality workforce that will help them thrive in the months and years ahead.” 

The JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act by:

·           Expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in rigorous and high-quality short-term skills and job training programs that lead to industry-based credentials and ultimately employment in high-wage, high-skill industry sectors or careers.

·           Ensuring that students who receive Pell Grants are earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the credentials:

o   Meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), such as meaningful career counseling and aligning programs to in-demand career pathways or registered apprenticeship programs;

o   Align with the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act’s program of study definition;

o   Are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships;

o   Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy; and

o   Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education.

·           Defining eligible job training programs as those providing career and technical education instruction at an institution of higher education, such as a community or technical college that provides:

o   At least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a period of at least 8 weeks;

o   Training that meets the needs of the local or regional workforce and industry partnerships;

o   Institutional credit articulation so students can continue to pursue further education in their careers; and

o   Students with licenses, certifications, or credentials that meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for which the job training is offered.

·           Creating an inter-agency data-sharing agreement between the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to share WIOA performance outcomes metrics such as median earnings and completion.

The JOBS Act is endorsed by the National Skills Coalition (NSC), the Association of Community Colleges and Trustees (ACCT), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), IBM, Opportunity America, Jobs for the Future, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Advance CTE, Business Roundtable Table (BRT), and Young Invincibles. 

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