The bill would create competitive federal grants for states to start, expand, or improve career and technical education (CTE) programs. Grants would last five years and could support career centers, equipment, teacher training, internships, apprenticeships, college courses, and online or hybrid programs. States receiving grants would submit plans, report program results, and assess workforce needs every three years. The bill would also create CTE Pell Grants for public high school students with financial need to help pay for eligible career training, credentials, apprenticeships, and related programs.
Public high school students with financial need could apply for help with costs for eligible job training and technical education programs. States could use grants to offer more CTE programs and work-based learning, including in rural or underserved areas. The bill does not specify how much an individual student would receive.
The federal government would cover 50 to 75 percent of the cost of grant-funded projects, with states or other nonfederal sources covering the remainder. In-kind services, materials, or land could count toward that share. The bill does not specify total program funding or CTE Pell Grant award amounts; the Education Secretary would set grant terms and amounts through regulations.
The bill states that demand for skilled workers is increasing and that expanding CTE programs could give students, especially those in under-resourced communities, more access to career preparation and hands-on learning.
No publicly available information.