Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act today, to expand Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality, short-term workforce programs. The bill benefits individuals seeking to advance their careers without long-term debt while also providing American businesses with a broader, better-prepared talent pool ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
“We cannot build tomorrow’s workforce based on the blueprint for yesterday’s economy. By modernizing Pell Grant eligibility, we can open the door for millions of Americans to gain in-demand skills, while creating more family-sustaining careers. In as little as eight weeks, students can earn industry-recognized credentials and practical knowledge – the real currency of today’s labor market. It’s time to build a workforce strategy as modern and dynamic as the economy we’re preparing it for,” said Senator Budd.
“Vocational opportunities deserve the same respect and financial support our country directs toward a four-year college education. In the same amount of time or less, a high school graduate can be working at a high level, in a specialized trade. We should be incentivizing more of that. I’m grateful to Senator Budd for leading this effort to increase access to skilled trades training and other non-traditional forms of education that can unlock the American Dream for a generation of young people,” said Senator McCormick.
“Too many students are pushed into debt seeking a four-year degree that doesn’t suit job market demands. That needs to change. Our legislation will expand access to high-quality, short-term job training programs to close the skills gap, reduce college debt and ensure more students can enter the workforce in high-demand industries,” said Senator Grassley.
“There is a worker shortage in America. This bill will help fix this problem by offering students the chance to pursue skill-based programs. It will help Americans get back to work. This bill benefits American workers, employers, and consumers,” said Senator Ricketts.
Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) joined Senator Budd in introducing the bill.
Read the full bill text HERE.
Background
The Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act:
- Helps low-income students move into good-paying, in-demand jobs quickly by expanding opportunities to participate in high-quality, short-term workforce programs.
- Provides quality assurance for participating programs, allowing any institute of higher education to participate that meets all requirements.
- Equips students with the skills and credentials needed for jobs in in-demand industries.
- Ensures program prices are aligned with economic value, so students and taxpayers receive a positive return on investment.
Senator Budd’s bill served as the original framework for the workforce Pell Grant expansion that the House Committee on Education and the Workforce included in its reconciliation bill last week, the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan.
Senator Budd will champion the inclusion of the PELL Act in the Senate’s reconciliation bill to help close the skills gap and strengthen the economy. Senator Budd published an opinion piece in The News & Observer today outlining the bill’s merits: How we can get more Americans the work skills they need.
The PELL Act was previously introduced during the 118th Congress.
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