# The PELL Act: Making Short-Term Job Training Programs Eligible for Federal Aid

This bill creates a new way for people to get federal financial help when they pursue short-term job training programs. Currently, federal Pell Grants—which are free money for education that doesn't need to be repaid—are mainly available to students attending traditional colleges and universities. This bill expands that to include intensive workforce training programs that last anywhere from 8 to 15 weeks.

Here's what actually changes: Starting in 2024, students enrolled in qualifying short-term training programs can now receive Pell Grants to help pay for tuition and fees. These aren't just any training programs—they have to meet specific standards. The programs must teach skills that employers actually need in growing industries, they must have at least a 70 percent completion rate, and graduates must have at least a 70 percent job placement rate. Additionally, the program's cost can't exceed the earnings boost students typically see three years after completing it. This requirement ensures that the training actually leads to better-paying jobs that justify the investment.

To keep things fair, the bill requires that schools and accrediting organizations track and publicly report data about these programs—things like how many students finish, how many get jobs within six months, and whether graduates are earning enough to make the training worthwhile. This transparency helps students make informed decisions about which programs to attend. The bill also prevents students from double-dipping by receiving both a regular Pell Grant and a Workforce Pell Grant for the same training program.

Essentially, this bill opens federal financial aid to people seeking faster pathways into the workforce through certified training programs, while building in safeguards to ensure these programs actually deliver on their promise of employment and earnings.

PELL Act

Stefanik, Elise M.

Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning Act or the PELL Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Workforce Pell Grants Program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award Workforce Pell Grants to students enrolled in eligible short-term programs. Eligible programs are those that provide 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and meet other eligibility criteria. An accrediting agency or association recognized by ED must determine a program's eligibility based on several criteria, including that the program provides education aligned with the requirements of in-demand industry sectors and occupations and meets specified completion and job placement rates. ED must annually collect and publish information on the College Scorecard regarding each eligible program, including job outcomes. The College Scorecard is a comparison tool for information on school sizes, settings, graduation rates, average costs, and salary ranges per field of study.