Northeast Iowa Community Colleges Back Hinson's Effort to Expand Pell Grants

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-02) helped introduce the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act which expands educational and credentialing opportunities for workers looking to gain skills in high-demand fields in Iowa. 

"Community colleges across Northeast Iowa provide exceptional skills-based training and career focused programs that open doors for students and workers to pursue their chosen field. This legislation will expand access to Pell Grants to set students up for success and ensure Iowa's workforce is prepared for opportunities." - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

"Short-term Pell is the key to unlocking one solution to Iowa's workforce shortage. It will open up opportunities for students in high demand and wage areas." - Dr. Todd Holcomb, Hawkeye College

"Pell Grants are crucial tools that open doors to a college education for lower-income students who would not be able to afford one otherwise. Unfortunately, some academic options are excluded that could really have a huge impact, not only for the students, but also for the overall economy as well. By expanding Pell Grants to short-term career and technical programs, it would allow these students to get the skills required for a good job in a relatively short period of time. The faster they get the education and training they need to fill in-demand positions, the sooner it is that they can enter the workforce and make a difference for employers." - President Lori Sundberg, Kirkwood Community College

Background:
The Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act will:

• Create a Workforce Pell Grant to expand Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality, short-term programs so students can move into a job quickly
• Avoids a complex system of red tape and instead provides clear requirements for programs focused on delivering skills education.
• Allows all education providers to participate as long as they meet certain requirements, including that students will be qualified to work following program completion.
• Ensures program prices are aligned with economic value so students and taxpayers receive a positive return on investment within three years or less.
• Requires the Department of Education to publish program costs and outcomes on the College Scorecard so students and families are aware of the high-quality education opportunities available to them.

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