US HB8057

Qualified technical schools offering career pathway and job training programs would gain eligibility for federal grants on the same basis as 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.

Covered federal grant programs include the Department of Education's Strengthening Institutions Program, Federal TRIO Program, CCAMPIS Program, and the Department of Labor's Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants Program.

Eligible job training programs must be 150-600 clock hours over 8-15 weeks, provide training in sectors essential for national security, public safety, supply chain, transportation, critical manufacturing/infrastructure, or healthcare, and result in industry-recognized credentials.

The Secretaries of Education and Labor must modify eligibility criteria and application procedures within 180 days of enactment, and issue guidance on grant distribution to ensure adequate workforce pipelines in covered sectors.

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