US HB8051

Qualified technical schools offering career pathway and job training programs would become eligible to participate in federal grant programs on the same basis as 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities

Covered federal grants include the Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program, Federal TRIO Program, and CCAMPIS child care program, as well as the Department of Labor's Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants

Secretaries of Education and Labor must modify eligibility criteria and issue guidance within 180 days of enactment to ensure qualified technical schools can access these programs

Eligible job training programs must be 150-600 clock hours over 8-15 weeks, provide training in sectors essential for national security, healthcare, critical infrastructure, or high-demand occupations, and result in an industry-recognized credential

The Secretary of Education must determine program eligibility within 60 days of submission, with State board certification required to verify programs meet requirements