[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5252 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5252
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to award
competitive grants for the purpose of developing, offering, improving,
and providing educational or career pathway programs for workers, to
direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program that awards
grants to State coalitions that build or expand career pathways
programs in schools within the State, and to establish a program that
awards grants to eligible agencies to carry out career pathways
programs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 14, 2021
Mr. Harder of California introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to award
competitive grants for the purpose of developing, offering, improving,
and providing educational or career pathway programs for workers, to
direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program that awards
grants to State coalitions that build or expand career pathways
programs in schools within the State, and to establish a program that
awards grants to eligible agencies to carry out career pathways
programs, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Connecting Students to Great Jobs
Act''.
TITLE I--SHORT-TERM ACCELERATED RESKILLING TRACKS CAREER PATHWAYS
SEC. 101. START PATHWAYS TO CAREERS FUND.
Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3111 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subtitle F--START Pathways to Careers Fund
``SEC. 199. START PATHWAYS TO CAREERS PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants Authorized.--Not later than the end of the first full
fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Connecting Students to
Great Jobs Act, from funds appropriated under section 200(a)(1), the
Secretary of Labor (in coordination with the Secretary of Education)
shall award competitive grants to eligible entities described in
subsection (c) for the purpose of developing, offering, improving, and
providing educational or career pathway programs for workers.
``(b) Duration.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretaries may award a grant to an
eligible entity for not more than a 6-year period.
``(2) Continuation of grants.--At the end of the initial 3-
year grant period for a grant awarded to an eligible entity
under this section, the Secretary shall evaluate, using the
performance indicators under subsection (h), each program for
which the eligible entity was awarded such grant to determine
if eligible entity is eligible to receive such grant for an
additional 3-year grant period.
``(c) Eligible Entity.--
``(1) Partnerships with employers or an employer or
industry partnership.--
``(A) General definition.--For purposes of this
section, an `eligible entity' means any of the entities
described in subparagraph (B) (or a consortium of any
of such entities) in partnership with local employers
or a local employer or local industry partnership
representing multiple employers.
``(B) Description of entities.--The entities
described in this subparagraph are--
``(i) a junior college or a community
college (as defined under section 316 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c)
to mean public 2-year State institutions of
higher education at which the highest degree
that is predominantly awarded to students is an
associate's degree, including 2-year tribally
controlled colleges);
``(ii) a 4-year public institution of
higher education (as defined in section 101(a)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001(a))) that offers 2-year degrees, and that
will use funds provided under this section for
activities at the certificate and associate
degree levels; or
``(iii) a postsecondary vocational
institution, as defined in section 102(c) of
the Higher Education Act of 1965.
``(2) Additional partners.--
``(A) Authorization of additional partners.--In
addition to partnering with local employers or a local
employer or local industry partnership representing
multiple employers as described in paragraph (1)(A), an
entity described in paragraph (1) may include in the
partnership described in paragraph (1) one or more of
the organizations described in subparagraph (B). Each
eligible entity that includes one or more such
organizations shall collaborate with the State or local
board in the area served by the eligible entity.
``(B) Organizations.--The organizations described
in this subparagraph are as follows:
``(i) A provider of adult education (as
defined in section 203) or an institution of
higher education (as defined in section 101 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)).
``(ii) A community-based organization.
``(iii) A joint labor-management
partnership.
``(iv) A State board that oversees higher
education.
``(v) A State educational agency (as
defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801)).
``(vi) An elementary school or secondary
school (as such terms are defined in section
8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
``(vii) A local educational agency (as
defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801)).
``(viii) A State-based education focused
nonprofit.
``(ix) An educational service agency (as
defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801)).
``(x) Any other not-for-profit or
community-based organization, with a proven
record on job training (as determined by the
Secretaries), that the Secretaries consider
appropriate.
``(d) Educational or Career Pathway Program.--For purposes of this
section, the Governor of the State in which at least one of the
entities described in subsection (c) of an eligible entity is located
shall establish criteria for an educational or career training pathway
program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential for which an
eligible entity submits a grant proposal under subsection (e).
``(e) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under this
section shall submit an application containing a grant proposal, for an
educational or career pathway program leading to a recognized
postsecondary credential, to the Secretaries at such time and
containing such information as the Secretaries determine is required.
``(f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretaries shall give priority to eligible entities that--
``(1) include a partnership, with local employers or a
local employer or local industry partnership, that--
``(A) pays a portion of the costs of educational or
career pathway programs; or
``(B) creates a career pathway by supporting
employers who hire individuals who have attained a
recognized postsecondary credential resulting from the
educational or career training pathway program of the
eligible entity;
``(2) enter into a partnership with a labor organization or
labor-management training program to provide, through the
program, technical expertise for occupationally specific
education necessary for a recognized postsecondary credential
leading to an occupation in a local high-skill, high-wage, or
in-demand industry sector or occupation;
``(3) are focused on serving individuals with barriers to
employment, students who are veterans including, active duty
servicemembers who are otherwise eligible for educational
assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code,
spouses of members of the Armed Forces, children of members of
the Armed Forces, and incumbent workers who are low-skilled and
who need to increase their work-related skills;
``(4) include any eligible entities serving areas with high
unemployment rates; and
``(5) are eligible entities that include an institution of
higher education eligible for assistance under title III or V
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.; 20
U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
``(g) Use of Funds.--Grant funds awarded under this section shall
be used for one or more of the following:
``(1) The development, offering, improvement, and provision
of educational or career pathway programs, that provide
relevant job training for skilled occupations, that lead to
recognized postsecondary credentials, that will meet the needs
of employers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or
occupations (such as nursing, health care, agriculture,
horticulture, food, natural resources, fire science, building
trades, labor, computer science, and information technology)
and that may include registered apprenticeship programs, on-
the-job training programs, and programs that support employers
in upgrading the skills of their workforce.
``(2) The development and implementation of policies and
programs to expand opportunities for students to earn a
recognized postsecondary credential, including a degree, in
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
occupations, including by--
``(A) facilitating the transfer of academic credits
between institutions of higher education, including the
transfer of academic credits for courses in the same
field of study;
``(B) expanding articulation agreements and
policies that guarantee transfers between such
institutions, including through common course numbering
and use of a general core curriculum;
``(C) developing or enhancing student support
services; and
``(D) establishing policies and processes for
assessing and awarding course credit for work-related
learning.
``(3) The creation of career pathway programs that provide
a sequence of education and occupational training that leads to
a recognized postsecondary credential, including a degree,
including programs that--
``(A) blend basic skills and occupational training;
``(B) facilitate means of transitioning
participants from non-credit occupational, basic
skills, or developmental coursework to for-credit
coursework within and across institutions;
``(C) build or enhance linkages, including the
development of dual enrollment programs and early
college high schools, between secondary education or
adult education programs (including programs
established under the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.) and title II of this Act);
``(D) are innovative programs designed to increase
the provision of training for students, including
students who are members of the National Guard or
Reserves, to enter high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors or occupations;
``(E) support paid internships that will allow
students to simultaneously earn credit for work-based
learning and gain relevant employment experience in a
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sector or
occupation, which shall include opportunities that
transition individuals into employment; and
``(F) develop competency-based education programs
that offer an outcome-oriented approach through which
recognized postsecondary credentials are awarded based
on successful demonstration of skills and proficiency.
``(4) A Pay-for-Success program that leads to a recognized
postsecondary credential, for which an eligible entity--
``(A) enters into a partnership with an investor,
such as a philanthropic organization that provides
funding for a specific project to address a clear and
measurable educational or career training need in the
area to be served under the grant; and
``(B) agrees to be reimbursed under the grant only
if the project achieves specified performance outcomes
and criteria agreed to by the Secretary.
``SEC. 200. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program
established by section 199. Funds appropriated under this
subsection shall remain available until the end of the 5th full
fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Connecting
Students to Great Jobs Act.
``(2) Administrative cost.--Not more than 5 percent of the
amounts made available under paragraph (1) may be used by the
Secretaries for Federal administration of the program described
in that subsection, including providing technical assistance
and carrying out evaluations for the program described in that
subsection.
``(3) Period of availability.--The funds appropriated
pursuant to paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be available
for Federal obligation for that fiscal year and the succeeding
4 fiscal years.
``(b) Secretaries Defined.--In this subtitle, the term
`Secretaries' means the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of
Education.''.
SEC. 102. START (SHORT-TERM ACCELERATED RESKILLING TRACKS) PATHWAYS TO
CAREERS FEDERAL PELL GRANTS.
(a) Amendments for Award Years Beginning on or After October 1,
2021, and Ending Not Later Than June 30, 2023.--Section 401 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(k) START Federal Pell Grant Applications.--
``(1) In general.-- For the award years beginning on or
after October 1, 2021, and ending not later than June 30, 2023,
the Secretary shall carry out a program through which the
Secretary shall award START Federal Pell Grants to students in
eligible short-term programs.
``(2) Terms and conditions.--Each START Federal Pell Grant
awarded under this subsection shall have the same terms and
conditions, and be awarded in the same manner, as a Federal
Pell Grant awarded under subsection (a), except as follows:
``(A) Student eligibility.--A student who is
eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this
subsection is a student who--
``(i) has not yet attained a baccalaureate
degree or postbaccalaureate degree; and
``(ii) is enrolled, or accepted for
enrollment, in an eligible short-term program
at an institution of higher education.
``(B) Grant amount.--The amount of a START Federal
Pell Grant awarded under this subsection for an
eligible student shall be determined under subsection
(b)(2)(A), except that--
``(i) subsection (b)(4) shall be applied by
substituting `5 percent' for `ten percent'; and
``(ii) no increase shall be calculated
under subsection (b)(7)(B) for such student.
``(C) Inclusion in duration limits.--Any period
during which a student receives a START Federal Pell
Grant under this subsection shall be included in
calculating the student's period of eligibility for
Federal Pell Grants under subsection (c), and any
regulations under such subsection regarding students
who are enrolled in an undergraduate program on less
than a full-time basis shall similarly apply to
students who are enrolled in an eligible short-term
program at an eligible institution on less than a full-
time basis.
``(D) Effect on discontinued participation.--An
eligible student who receives a START Federal Pell
Grant under this subsection shall receive such grant
during the period in which the student is enrolled in a
short-term program for which the student receives such
grant and is making satisfactory academic progress,
without regard to whether the short-term program ceases
to be eligible for participation in the START Federal
Pell Grant program under this subsection.
``(3) Eligible short-term program requirements.--
``(A) In general.--To be an eligible short-term
program for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary
shall determine that a short-term program meets the
following:
``(i) The short-term program is made
available to workers in the geographic area in
which the program is offered.
``(ii) The short-term program prepares
participants for employment opportunities in
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or
occupations in such geographic area.
``(iii) The short-term program meets any
other requirements that the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(B) Termination of eligible short-term program
status.--A short-term program may cease to be an
eligible short-term program for purposes of this
subsection if not less than 2 annual evaluations under
paragraph (4) for such program demonstrate that the
program does not meet the performance outcomes
established by the Secretary on the metrics described
in paragraph (4)(B)(ii).
``(4) Evaluations and reports.--
``(A) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the
date that the first Federal Pell Grant is awarded under
this subsection, and on an annual basis thereafter, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the
Institute of Education Sciences, shall evaluate each
short-term program participating under this subsection
in accordance with subparagraph (B), and report the
results of such evaluation to the authorizing
committees.
``(B) Evaluation of programs.--An evaluation of a
short-term program under subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) evaluate the extent to which such
short-term program meets the requirements under
paragraph (3); and
``(ii) include both qualitative and
quantitative evidence of--
``(I) the program's alignment with
workforce needs, including placement
and retention in jobs related to the
training provided by the program;
``(II) the effect, if any, this
program has on matriculation of
students attending 4-year institutions;
``(III) the extent to which
students have sought a higher
credential or degree or military
service;
``(IV) employment rates after
program completion;
``(V) earnings (either average
earnings of completers or the share of
completers earning more than the
average high school graduate);
``(VI) program completion rates;
and
``(VII) rates of continued
education of those who have completed
the program.
``(5) Sunset.--The Secretary shall not have the authority
to award Federal Pell Grants under this subsection after the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of the
Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act.
``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Career and technical education.--The term
`career and technical education' has the meaning given
the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(B) High-skill; high-wage.--The terms `high-
skill' and `high-wage' are used as such terms are used
in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
``(C) Job training program.--The term `job training
program' means a career and technical education program
at an institution of higher education that--
``(i) provides not less than 150 clock
hours of instructional time over a period of
not less than 8 weeks;
``(ii) provides training in partnership
with the requirements of employers in the State
or local area, which may include high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand sectors or occupations
in the State or local area;
``(iii) provides a student, upon completion
of the program, with a recognized postsecondary
credential, that is widely recognized by local
employers in the relevant industry, including
credentials recognized by industry or sector
partnerships in the State or local area where
the industry is located;
``(iv) utilizes work-based and worksite
learning experiences, where appropriate and
available, that--
``(I) are related to the employment
for which the program provides training
(such as employment in a sector or
occupation described in clause (ii));
and
``(II) are supervised by an
individual with expertise in the field;
and
``(v) has been determined by the
institution of higher education (after
validation of that determination by an industry
or sector partnership) to provide academic
content, an amount of instructional time, and a
recognized postsecondary credential that--
``(I) meet the hiring requirements
of potential local employers;
``(II) allow the students to apply
for any licenses or certifications that
may be required to be employed in the
local field for which the job training
is offered;
``(III) may include integrated or
basic skills courses; and
``(IV) may be offered as part of an
eligible local eligible career pathways
program.
``(D) Short-term program.--The term `short-term
program' means--
``(i) a career and technical education
program that provides more than 320 clock hours
and less than 600 clock hours of instruction;
``(ii) an educational or career pathway
program that is part of a career pathway; or
``(iii) a job-training program.
``(E) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-
demand industry sector or occupation', and `recognized
postsecondary credential' have the meanings given the
terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.
(b) Award Years Beginning on or After July 1, 2023.--Section 401 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1), as amended by
section 703 of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF
of Public Law 116-260), is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(k) START Federal Pell Grant Applications.--
``(1) In general.--For the award years beginning on or
after July 1, 2023, the Secretary shall carry out a program
through which the Secretary shall award START Federal Pell
Grants to students in eligible short-term programs.
``(2) Terms and conditions.--Each START Federal Pell Grant
awarded under this subsection shall have the same terms and
conditions, and be awarded in the same manner, as a Federal
Pell Grant awarded under subsection (a), except as follows:
``(A) Student eligibility.--A student who is
eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this
subsection is a student who--
``(i) has not yet attained a baccalaureate
degree or postbaccalaureate degree; and
``(ii) is enrolled, or accepted for
enrollment, in an eligible short-term program
at an institution of higher education.
``(B) Grant amount.--The amount of a START Federal
Pell Grant awarded under this subsection for an
eligible student shall be determined under subsection
(b)(1), except that--
``(i) subsection (a)(2)(F) shall be applied
by substituting `5 percent' for `ten percent';
and
``(ii) (b)(5)(A)(i) shall not apply in
calculating the total maximum Federal Pell
Grant award for such student.
``(C) Inclusion in duration limits.--Any period
during which a student receives a START Federal Pell
Grant under this subsection shall be included in
calculating the student's period of eligibility for
Federal Pell Grants under subsection (c), and any
regulations under such subsection regarding students
who are enrolled in an undergraduate program on less
than a full-time basis shall similarly apply to
students who are enrolled in an eligible short-term
program at an eligible institution on less than a full-
time basis.
``(D) Effect on discontinued participation.--An
eligible student who receives a START Federal Pell
Grant under this subsection shall receive such grant
during the period in which the student is enrolled in a
short-term program for which the student receives such
grant and is making satisfactory academic progress,
without regard to whether the short-term program ceases
to be eligible for participation in the START Federal
Pell Grant program under this subsection.
``(3) Eligible short-term program requirements.--
``(A) In general.--To be an eligible short-term
program for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary
shall determine that a short-term program meets the
following:
``(i) The short-term program is made
available to workers in the geographic area in
which the program is offered.
``(ii) The short-term program prepares
participants for employment opportunities in
high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or
occupations in such geographic area.
``(iii) The short-term program meets any
other requirements that the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(B) Termination of eligible short-term program
status.--A short-term program may cease to be an
eligible short-term program for purposes of this
subsection if not less than 2 annual evaluations under
paragraph (4) for such program demonstrate that the
program does not meet the performance outcomes
established by the Secretary on the metrics described
in paragraph (4)(B)(ii).
``(4) Evaluations and reports.--
``(A) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the
date that the first Federal Pell Grant is awarded under
this subsection, and on an annual basis thereafter, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the
Institute of Education Sciences, shall evaluate each
short-term program participating under this subsection
in accordance with subparagraph (B), and report the
results of such evaluation to the authorizing
committees.
``(B) Evaluation of programs.--An evaluation of a
short-term program under subparagraph (A) shall--
``(i) evaluate the extent to which such
short-term program meets the requirements under
paragraph (3); and
``(ii) include both qualitative and
quantitative evidence of--
``(I) the program's alignment with
workforce needs, including placement
and retention in jobs related to the
training provided by the program;
``(II) the effect, if any, this
program has on matriculation of
students attending 4-year institutions;
``(III) the extent to which
students have sought a higher
credential or degree or military
service;
``(IV) employment rates after
program completion;
``(V) earnings (either average
earnings of completers or the share of
completers earning more than the
average high school graduate);
``(VI) program completion rates;
and
``(VII) rates of continued
education of those who have completed
the program.
``(5) Sunset.--The Secretary shall not have the authority
to award Federal Pell Grants under this subsection after the
date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of the
Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act.
``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Career and technical education.--The term
`career and technical education' has the meaning given
the term in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(B) High-skill; high-wage.--The terms `high-
skill' and `high-wage' are used as such terms are used
in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
``(C) Job training program.--The term `job training
program' means a career and technical education program
at an institution of higher education that--
``(i) provides not less than 150 clock
hours of instructional time over a period of
not less than 8 weeks;
``(ii) provides training in partnership
with the requirements of employers in the State
or local area, which may include high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand sectors or occupations
in the State or local area;
``(iii) provides a student, upon completion
of the program, with a recognized postsecondary
credential, that is widely recognized by local
employers in the relevant industry, including
credentials recognized by industry or sector
partnerships in the State or local area where
the industry is located;
``(iv) utilizes work-based and worksite
learning experiences, where appropriate and
available, that--
``(I) are related to the employment
for which the program provides training
(such as employment in a sector or
occupation described in clause (ii));
and
``(II) are supervised by an
individual with expertise in the field;
and
``(v) has been determined by the
institution of higher education (after
validation of that determination by an industry
or sector partnership) to provide academic
content, an amount of instructional time, and a
recognized postsecondary credential that--
``(I) meet the hiring requirements
of potential local employers;
``(II) allow the students to apply
for any licenses or certifications that
may be required to be employed in the
local field for which the job training
is offered;
``(III) may include integrated or
basic skills courses; and
``(IV) may be offered as part of an
eligible local eligible career pathways
program.
``(D) Short-term program.--The term `short-term
program' means--
``(i) a career and technical education
program that provides more than 320 clock hours
and less than 600 clock hours of instruction;
``(ii) an educational or career pathway
program that is part of a career pathway; or
``(iii) a job-training program.
``(E) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-
demand industry sector or occupation', and `recognized
postsecondary credential' have the meanings given the
terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.
TITLE II--SCHOOL TO CAREER PATHWAYS
SEC. 201. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) In every congressional district, career and technical
education programs and career-connected pathways programs play
a vital role in ensuring workers remain competitive in high-
wage, high-skill, and in-demand career fields, including
computer science, robotics, information technology, health
care, and the skilled trades, all of which have hundreds of
thousands of job openings across the United States.
(2) Every student should have access to career and
technical education opportunities to learn how their academic
background will prepare them for postsecondary education and a
career.
(3) Curriculum and course offerings should not be based on
the assumption that every student has the same academic needs,
interests, and goals. Instead, schools should prepare students
for their individualized career goals by providing
opportunities for students to discover and delve into their
interests. These opportunities may include career and technical
education, personalized learning, apprenticeships, early
college and dual enrollment, and language immersion programs.
(4) Specifically, career and technical education and dual
enrollment programs integrate classroom learning with
technical, job-specific skills to prepare students for high-
skill careers in industries such as information technology,
manufacturing, health science, nursing, medical professions,
construction, engineering, and more. Under the Carl D. Perkins
Vocational and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.), States receive funding to integrate career pathway
programs with academic learning for students who choose to
enroll in career and technical education programs.
(5) Career and technical education programs currently serve
12,500,000 high school and college students and boast a high
school graduation rate of about 90 percent, which is 15 percent
higher than the national average.
(6) Career-connected learning programs, which integrate
college preparatory academics, technical training, work-based
learning, and support, have had positive outcomes for students.
(7) According to the Association for Career and Technical
Education, 6 out of 10 students plan to pursue a career related
to the career-connected learning programs they are exploring in
high school.
(8) Many skills-based industries have chronically struggled
to fill open positions, as they face an increasing number of
retiring baby boomers as well as a lack of qualified candidates
with technical skills. For instance, of the 3,400,000
manufacturing jobs expected to open over the next decade,
2,000,000 are projected to go unfilled, accounting for
approximately 9 percent, or $2,400,000,000, in forgone yearly
revenue.
(9) While career and technical education models have been
piloted across the United States, grant programs need to be
expanded to not only encourage additional school districts to
offer students opportunities for career-connected learning,
including apprenticeships, and project-based learning pathways
but also to combat this severe skills-gap and remediate this
economic pitfall.
(10) Career and technical education programs should
incentivize school districts to offer summer internships or
course credit through opportunities created by business and
community partnerships.
SEC. 202. STATE SKILLS EDUCATION COALITIONS.
(a) In General.--Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall award
grants to States to establish a statewide career pathways coalition (in
this section referred to as a ``coalition'').
(b) Eligible Entities.--Any State agency responsible for carrying
out educational programs in a State shall be eligible for a grant
awarded under subsection (a).
(c) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under such a grant shall be
used for--
(1) convening employers to discuss local workforce needs
and trends;
(2) reaching out to local and regional public or private
partners and conducting research into local workforce needs and
trends;
(3) promoting skill standards and career paths that match
local employers' needs;
(4) helping to improve and govern the workforce development
system;
(5) bringing together businesses, faith-based and community
organizations, educational institutions, labor unions, social
service agencies, and other providers to implement programs and
policies to improve labor market outcomes;
(6) increasing economic mobility for workers; and
(7) increasing awareness of programs and related economic
opportunities.
(d) Conditions.--As a condition for receipt of funds under such a
grant, a State agency shall require a coalition to do the following:
(1) Develop State plans for how to expand on existing
evidence-based programs that are effectively providing
nontraditional paths to students and recommendations on new
programs that would provide both academic and real-world work
experience (such as student apprenticeships, dual programs,
career-connected or integrated programs that provide concurrent
credit).
(2) Establish a statewide career-connected learning system.
(3) Promote diversity among apprentices by promoting
outreach to underrepresented populations such as women and
minorities, youth, individuals with disabilities (as defined in
section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12102)), and veterans.
(4) Provide the Governor of the State and Secretary a list
of findings and recommendations of the coalition regarding the
elements of a successful statewide career-connected learning
system.
(5) Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, create a detailed and specific 4-year
action plan for how the State school system can implement a
statewide career-connected learning system, with a timeline for
the implementation, and projected funding requirements of such
system.
(6) Not later than 2 years after the provision of such
plan, the coalition shall report on the implementation and
success of its plan, including best practices, and
recommendations for improvement.
(e) Membership.--
(1) Number and appointment.--Each coalition established
through funds received under such a grant shall be comprised
of--
(A) at least one individual recommended by the
State's Public University Board or its equivalent
representatives (as determined by the Governor); and
(B) a minimum of 9 individuals who have public and
private career or technical education experience,
including course instruction, selected by the chief
State school officer with approval from the State Board
of Education or its equivalent and State Public
University Board or its equivalent.
(2) Composition.--The coalition shall be representative of
the State's geographical diversity. All geographical regions
(as determined by the chief State school officer) must be
represented by a minimum of one education stakeholder and one
public or private industry stakeholder. A regional
representative may be determined by residence or location of
primary employment.
(f) Termination.--Federal funds received under such a grant shall
terminate on the day after 6 years from the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. SECONDARY SCHOOL TO CAREER PATHWAYS INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Career Pathways Innovation Grant Program Established.--
(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary, after consultation with the
Secretary of Labor, shall establish a career pathways
innovation grant program, through which the Secretary shall
award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible agencies for
the purpose of addressing the specialized skill needs of
business and industry by carrying out programs of study and
career pathways programs through school partnerships that
support career pathways in high school and career exploration
in the middle grades.
(2) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section--
(A) shall be for a period of 3 years; and
(B) may be renewed for one additional 2-year
period, if the eligible agency demonstrates sufficient
progress in achieving the goals of the initial grant.
(b) Application.--
(1) In general.--An eligible agency desiring a grant under
this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the Secretary may require, and in accordance with requirements
under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
(2) Contents; partnership agreement.--The application
submitted under paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) an initial partnership agreement, entered into
by the eligible agency and all members of the school
partnership, that--
(i) specifies the duties and
responsibilities of each partner;
(ii) describes the commitment of resources
or materials to be provided by each partner
toward the school partnership, ensuring that
the business or industry partners in the school
partnership provide an amount of resources, in
cash or in-kind, toward the activities
supported under the grant that equals or
exceeds the amount contributed by the eligible
agency and the amount to be provided by the
grant under this section; and
(iii) describes how the overall goals of
the school partnership align with any statewide
or regional workforce development strategies in
existence at the time of the application,
including those established under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101
et seq.) or the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301
et seq.);
(B) a description of how the eligible agency and
members of the school partnership will collaborate to
ensure the quality of the career pathways program
offered under the grant, including any program that
leads to an industry-recognized credential or
recognized postsecondary credential earned as part of a
career pathway;
(C) identification of the goals and measures used
to define progress toward student outcomes; and
(D) a strategic plan describing the role and
activities of the eligible agency and all members of
the school partnership in supporting how the program
will be sustained following the end of the grant.
(c) Award Basis.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall--
(1) ensure that, to the extent practicable based on the
applications received under subsection (b)--
(A) not less than 15 percent of the grant funds
available to carry out this section are awarded to
rural eligible agencies; and
(B) not less than 5 percent of the grant funds
available to carry out this section are awarded to
eligible agencies that serve a substantial percentage
of Indian or Native Hawaiian children; and
(2) except to the extent necessary to comply with paragraph
(1), give priority to--
(A) any eligible agency whose school partnership
includes an institution of higher education offering
postsecondary credits, or an entity offering a
registered apprenticeship program that is articulated
through secondary school programming counting towards
the registered apprenticeship requirements, through the
career pathways program under the grant; and
(B) any eligible agency whose career pathways
program--
(i) in a high school, offers concurrent
enrollment opportunities for postsecondary
credit; or
(ii) leads to an industry-recognized
credential.
(d) Use of Funds.--
(1) Required use of funds.--An eligible agency receiving
grant funds under this section shall use grant funds to build
or expand a career pathways program featuring school
partnerships that supports career pathways in high school and
career exploration in the middle grades.
(2) Permissive use of funds.--An eligible agency receiving
grant funds under this section may use grant funds either
during or outside of the school day or school year--
(A) to hire a designated career pathways
partnership coordinator to seek out and build
relationships with business or industry partners to
foster and manage the school partnerships supported
under the grant;
(B) for the costs of new equipment, infrastructure
(such as facilities, technology, and staffing), or
transportation related to the career pathways program;
(C) to recruit, or assist with State licensure and
credential requirements, career and technical education
teachers, and others implementing career pathways
programs;
(D) to train or support the professional
development of career and technical education teachers
and others implementing career pathways programs,
including providing externship opportunities for
educators to spend time in industry;
(E) for youth apprenticeship, internship, or
experiential learning opportunities;
(F) to provide, as part of the career pathways
program, coursework that awards postsecondary credit at
no cost to high school students; and
(G) to support development of curricula that offer
industry-certified credentials.
(e) Requirements.--
(1) Matching funds.--An eligible agency that receives a
grant under this section shall provide, toward the cost of the
activities assisted under the grant and from non-Federal
sources, an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the
grant. Such matching amount may be in cash or in-kind and shall
include support from business or industry partners of a school
partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement
described in subsection (b)(2).
(2) Participation of business or industry partner.--In any
case where a business or industry partner included in an
initial partnership agreement described in subsection (b)(2)(A)
withdraws from a school partnership supported under a grant
under this section, the eligible agency shall notify the
Secretary immediately of the withdrawal and of the eligible
agency's plan for obtaining a comparable business or industry
partner.
(f) Reports.--
(1) Eligible agency reports.--
(A) Interim reports.--Not later than 18 months
after receiving a grant under this section, the
eligible agency shall submit a report to the Secretary
demonstrating that the eligible agency is achieving
sufficient progress toward the goals of the grant, and
ensure that data collection aligns with the
requirements under the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.), and demonstrates how the program advances
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act indicators.
(B) Final reports.--Each eligible agency receiving
a grant under this section shall prepare and submit to
the Secretary a final report regarding the use of funds
from the grant, including the outcomes of the
activities assisted under the grant, not later than 90
days after the end of the grant period.
(2) Secretary reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and
submit to the House Education and Labor Committee and the
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on an
annual basis, a report regarding the grant program under this
section that includes a summary of the reports received under
paragraph (1) during the preceding year and the outcomes
resulting from the use of grant funds.
SEC. 204. CAREER PATHWAYS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant
Secretary of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, shall--
(1) administer and manage the career pathways innovation
grants awarded under section 203;
(2) provide technical assistance to eligible agencies
preparing grant applications under section 203(b); and
(3) support career pathways partnership coordinators, or
other personnel of eligible agencies that have received a grant
under section 202, in order to ensure that--
(A) the eligible agency participates in the
required school partnership; and
(B) the grant results in positive program outcomes.
(b) Designated Personnel for Rural and Native-Serving
Applications.--The Secretary shall designate not less than 1 employee
of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education who will
exclusively support rural and native-serving eligible agencies with the
preparation of grant applications under section 203(b) and the
development of school partnerships necessary to apply for and implement
a grant under section 203.
SEC. 205. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Business or industry partner.--The term ``business or
industry partner'' means--
(A) a local public or private business;
(B) a local public or private industry;
(C) a sector partnership (which has the meaning
given the term ``industry or sector partnership'' in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102));
(D) a community partner; or
(E) an intermediary organization.
(2) Career and technical education.--The term ``career and
technical education'' has the meaning given the term in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (20
U.S.C. 2302), including:
(A) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based
learning'' means sustained interactions with industry
or community professionals in real workplace settings,
to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at
an educational institution that foster in-depth,
firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given
career field, that are aligned to curriculum and
instruction.
(B) Program of study.--The term ``program of
study'' means a coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of
academic and technical content at the secondary and
postsecondary level that--
(i) incorporates challenging State academic
standards, including those adopted by a State
under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965;
(ii) addresses both academic and technical
knowledge and skills, including employability
skills;
(iii) is aligned with the needs of
industries in the economy of the State, region,
Tribal community, or local area;
(iv) progresses in specificity (beginning
with all aspects of an industry or career
cluster and leading to more occupation-specific
instruction);
(v) has multiple entry and exit points that
incorporate credentialing; and
(vi) culminates in the attainment of a
recognized postsecondary credential.
(3) Career-connected learning.--The term ``career-connected
learning'' means programs that integrate college preparatory
academics, technical training, work-based learning, and
support.
(4) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' means a
combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training,
and other services that--
(A) aligns with the skill needs of industries in
the economy of the State or regional economy involved;
(B) prepares an individual to be successful in any
of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education
options, including apprenticeships registered under the
Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter
663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (referred to individually in
this Act as an ``apprenticeship'', except in section
171);
(C) includes counseling to support an individual in
achieving the individual's education and career goals;
(D) includes, as appropriate, education offered
concurrently with and in the same context as workforce
preparation activities and training for a specific
occupation or occupational cluster;
(E) organizes education, training, and other
services to meet the particular needs of an individual
in a manner that accelerates the educational and career
advancement of the individual to the extent
practicable;
(F) enables an individual to attain a secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at
least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and
(G) helps an individual enter or advance within a
specific occupation or occupational cluster.
(5) Community partner.--The term ``community partner''
means a nonprofit organization that has expertise--
(A) in the planning and delivery of education,
career training, and related programs;
(B) in forging coordination and cooperation between
educators and other members of the community;
(C) in training educators and other deliverers of
educational services; or
(D) in development and implementation of data
systems that measure the progress of students, schools,
and institutions of higher education, and career
pathways programs.
(6) Eligible agency.--The term ``eligible agency'' means--
(A) a local educational agency;
(B) a consortium of local educational agencies or
an agent operating on behalf of the consortium; or
(C) a school operated or funded by the Bureau of
Indian Education.
(7) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``high school'', ``local
educational agency'', ``middle grades'', and ``secondary
school'' have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801).
(8) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the
term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(9) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(10) Intermediary organization.--The term ``intermediary
organization'' means a nonprofit organization that has
expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships,
systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability,
and evaluation.
(11) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the
meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).
(12) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship program'' means a program
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as
the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663;
29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
(13) School partnership.--The term ``school partnership''
means a partnership that--
(A) shall include, at a minimum--
(i) an eligible agency;
(ii) instructors and faculty at an eligible
agency; and
(iii) one or more local business or
industry partners; and
(B) may also include one or more of the following
partners:
(i) A local community-based organization.
(ii) A joint labor-management partnership.
(iii) An institution of higher education.
(iv) A State board or local board (as such
terms are defined in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3102)).
(v) An apprenticeship college (as defined
as an institution partnership that is
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937
(commonly known as the ``National
Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter
663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) and is an
institution of higher education (as defined in
section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)))).
(vi) Any other entity that the Secretary,
after consultation with the Secretary of Labor,
considers appropriate.
(14) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(15) State.--The term ``State'' means each State of the
United States, the District of Columbia, and the territories of
Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands,
and U.S. Virgin Islands.
(16) State educational agency.--The term ``State
educational agency'' has the meaning given the term in section
602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20
U.S.C. 1401).
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