[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 122 (Thursday, July 30, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KAINE:
  S. 1900. A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow 
the Secretary of Education to award job training Federal Pell Grants; 
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, by 2020, it is estimated that 65 percent of 
all jobs will require at least some form of postsecondary education and 
training. The National Skills Coalition estimates that nearly half of 
all job openings between now and 2022 will be middle skill jobs that 
require education beyond high school, but not a 4-year degree. While 
the number of students pursuing postsecondary education is growing, the 
supply of skilled workers still falls short of industry demand. 
According to one estimate, the U.S. faces a shortfall of as many as 4.7 
million new workers with postsecondary certificates by the year 2018 
and according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 3.7 million U.S. jobs 
are currently vacant because of a shortage of qualified workers.
  Our current Federal higher education policy could be improved to help 
solve this problem. Pell Grants--the primary form of Federal tuition 
assistance for low-income and working students--can only be awarded 
towards programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in 
length. These grants cannot be used to support many of the short-term 
occupational training programs at community and technical colleges and 
other institutions that provide skills and credentials employers need 
and recognize. When it comes to higher education, Federal policies need 
to support the demands of the changing labor market and support 
alternate career pathways that align with industry demand. According 
the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 
shorter-term educational investments pay off--the average postsecondary 
certificate holder has 20 percent higher lifetime earnings than 
individuals with only a high school diploma.
  I am pleased to introduce the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting 
Students or JOBS Act. The JOBS Act would amend the Higher Education Act 
by expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term 
skills and job training programs that lead to industry-based 
credentials and ultimately employment in in-demand industry sectors or 
careers. Since job training programs are shorter and less costly, Pell 
Grant awards would be half of the current discretionary Pell amount. 
The legislation defines eligible job training programs as those 
providing career and technical education instruction at an institution 
that provides at least 150 clock hours of instruction time over a 
period of at least 8 weeks and that provides training that meets the 
needs of the local or regional workforce. These programs must also 
provide students with licenses, certifications, or credentials that 
meet the hiring requirements of multiple employers in the field for 
which the job training is offered.
  The JOBS Act also ensures that students who receive Pell Grants are 
earning high-quality postsecondary credentials by requiring that the 
credentials meet the standards under the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act, are recognized by employers, industry, or sector 
partnerships, and align with the skill needs of industries in the 
States or local economies.
  We need to make sure that Federal student aid supports the demand of 
a 21st century economy. As Congress works to reauthorize the Higher 
Education Act, I hope that my colleagues ensure that Pell Grants are 
accessible for individuals participating in high-quality, short-term 
occupational training programs that are leading to industry-recognized 
credentials and certificates.
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