WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently co-sponsored the Jumpstart Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, legislation that would better support today’s students by making high-quality, shorter-term education and training programs eligible for federal Pell Grants. 

By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act would help close the skills gap so workers can afford the job training and credentials that are in demand as industries have shifted amid COVID. Ensuring students have access to a variety of postsecondary programs has become even more critical in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the end of 2020, more than 10 million Americans were unemployed, and 3.7 million of those individuals have suffered permanent job loss. These workers will need access to postsecondary education and training to reskill and re-enter the workforce.

“With many industries suffering from the labor shortage, it’s crucial we support shorter-term skills programs to get qualified and capable North Carolinians out in the workforce sooner,” said Senator Tillis. “Especially now, workforce development is a critical issue to improve our long-term economic health, supply chain issues, and rising costs in this country. This legislation expands the Pell Grant eligibility so students already enrolled in job training programs can get the skills they need to begin careers in high-demand fields that offer high-paying jobs down the road. It’s time Congress starts investing in our non-traditional students and the next generation of workers which is why I am proud to work on this legislation with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.”

Under current law, Pell Grants — needs-based grants for low-income and working students — can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, even though many quality job training programs are shorter term. The JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in high-quality job training programs that are at least eight weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates. 

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:
  • 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
  • Align with the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act’s program of study definition
  • Are recognized by employers, industry, or sector partnerships
  • Align with the skill needs of industries in the state or local economy
  • Are approved by the state workforce board in addition to the U.S. Department of Education

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