A group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill that targets the nation’s worker shortage by closing the skills gap.
U.S. Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE), Michael Turner (R-OH), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) sponsored the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, which would expand federal Pell Grant program eligibility to individuals interested in pursuing short-term education and training programs.
“We have a serious workforce problem in America,” Foster said. “But, the road to entering our workforce with a meaningful career doesn’t always have to start with obtaining a traditional four-year degree at a university…a path that often burdens students with thousands of dollars in student loans. There are enough open jobs nationwide to employ every American seeking work, but not every applicant has the necessary skills to fill in-demand jobs. The JOBS Act would help close the skills gap and address the nationwide worker shortage by expanding Pell Grant eligibility.”
Foster said the grant expansion initiative would provide support to individuals eager to improve their lives and enter the nation’s workforce.
Bill provisions include extending Pell Grant eligibility to qualified programs between 150 and 600 clock hours and at least eight weeks in length and amending the Higher Education Act (HEA) by adding two additional categories that would qualify for Pell Grants – eligible career pathway program and eligible job training program.
“Right now, we have more job openings than folks looking for work,” Rochester said. “By expanding Pell Grant eligibility, the JOBS Act expands opportunities for students, especially low-income individuals, to gain valuable, transferable skills to help them secure good-paying jobs and will help us address the workforce shortage impacting industries across the country.”