This week, the U.S. Secretary of Education testified to a House committee about the discretionary budget request. Read below to learn more about how Career Technical Education (CTE) came up during this hearing, as well as new resources, new grant opportunities, the budget hearing with the U.S. Secretary of Labor and information on the stimulus emergency connectivity funds. 

House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Education Budget

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona testified at a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS-Ed) hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget request from the Biden Administration. This was in reference to the skinny FY22 discretionary budget request that the White House shared in April, but the hearing also made mention of the American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan. A full budget request is expected in the coming weeks. 

In his opening statement, Secretary Cardona named the importance of CTE, as well as plans to address the full education continuum from early childhood to postsecondary education. Regarding the postsecondary level, Secretary Cardona emphasized the need to make higher education affordable and accessible for each student. He also highlighted investments in Pell Grants, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as programs such as TRIO and GEAR UP. 

Throughout the hearing, Secretary Cardona reiterated that the education system needs to evolve to meet the needs of learners, and not the other way around. Representative Josh Harder (D-CA) used his time to speak about the impact of CTE programs, the need to expand Pell Grant eligibility and funding streams for high-quality short term programs and the importance of early exposure CTE and workplace skills. In response, Secretary Cardona agreed with the value of CTE and the need to give learners options early on, as well as recognizing that learning also happens outside of a classroom. He also said that he is interested in getting more perspective on funding for short-term programs. 

Other common themes of the hearing were reopening schools, social and emotional learning, civics education, charter schools, teacher shortages and meeting the needs of communities who are traditionally underserved.

ED Launches Best Practices Clearinghouse for Reopening Schools and Campuses

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse (the Clearinghouse). This website highlights the innovative work being done across the country to safely reopen K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions and early childhood centers. It also provides examples of how educational institutions can safely reopen. Through the Clearinghouse, “ED aims to collect and disseminate innovative, evidence-based, or solutions-oriented approaches to school reopening and make this information available to elementary and secondary schools, early childhood centers, and postsecondary institutions across the country so they can learn from each other.” The Clearinghouse covers three topic areas: safe and healthy environments; supports for students and supports for the well-being and professional development of teachers, faculty and staff. 

DOL Announces New Funding for Women in Registered Apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new $3.5 million funding opportunity- the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program. Up to 10  grants will go to community-based organizations with the purpose of increasing and retaining the number of women in high quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs and nontraditional occupations in industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, cybersecurity and healthcare. This grant is administered by the DOL Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Applications can be submitted here through June 4, 2021. 

Additional information on the WANTO grant program can be found here and frequently asked questions here.  

House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Labor Budget

Written by Michael Matthews, Government Relations Manager, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Full post can be found here.

On April 28, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh testified at a House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education hearing focused on the Administration’s FY22 Budget Request for the Department of Labor. Workforce Development and job training programs were a large topic of discussion given the backdrop of the jobs crisis caused by the pandemic. In his opening statement Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK) stated, “I think there’s a strong bipartisan commitment (for job training) in this subcommittee. We see it not only in this budget, but the education budget on everything from Job Corps to, again, the apprenticeship program to career tech kinds of programs where we managed to work together.”

Secretary Walsh went into the need for Congress to work with the Administration on passing the American Jobs Plan. He then went into detail on the proposed benefits of the plan, including funding for sector-based training programs focused on growing, high-demand sectors, such as clean energy, manufacturing and caregiving, and helping workers of all kinds to find good-quality jobs in an ever-changing economy. During the questioning part of the hearing, Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) discussed the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant Program, and asked Secretary Walsh “How will the Department of Labor leverage this program, bring it to scale to address the economic effects of the pandemic to support community colleges, dislocated workers, and their families?” He replied, “That question is key to the success in the rebound of America right now. I think we have to work closely with community colleges.” 

FCC Announces Information on Stimulus Emergency Connectivity Fund Program

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a draft Report and Order that outlines the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). ARP included this funding to be used through the E-rate program through September 2030 for schools and libraries to purchase internet connectivity and technological devices. An in depth fact sheet and the draft Report and Order can be found here and a Public Notice can be found here. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week the White House released the second part of the Build Back Better proposal, the American Families Plan. Read below to learn about how education is included in the plan, as well as hearings in Congress that addressed workforce development and community colleges. 

Biden Releases American Families Plan With Education Resources

On Wednesday the White House released an overview of its $1.8 trillion American Families Plan. This is the second part of the administration’s Build Back Better campaign (the first part, the American Jobs Plan, was shared at the beginning of April). The American Families Plan focuses on investing in education from early childhood to postsecondary, supporting children and families through avenues such as childcare and paid leave and extend tax cuts for lower and middle income workers and families. Overall, this proposal includes about $731 billion in education funding. Some of the investments include: 

• $109 billion for two years of tuition-free community college for each learner. Individuals can use this benefit over the course of three years. If all states, territories and Tribes participate it will mean that about 5.5 million students will pay $0 in community college tuition and fees.  
• $80 billion to increase the maximum Pell Grant by up to $1,400, which is a 21% increase over the current maximum award. This plan also allows DREAMers access to Pell Grants. 
• $62 billion for evidence-based strategies that increase retention and completion rates at community colleges and institutions that serve high numbers of low-income students. Through this, states, territories and Tribes will receive grants that colleges can use to implement innovative and proven solutions for student success- including wraparound services, emergency basic needs grants, practices that recruit and retain diverse faculty, transfer agreements between colleges and evidence-based remediation programs.  
• $46 billion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs). This would include $39 billion to provide two years of subsidized tuition for students enrolled at a four year HBCU, MSI or TCU whose family earns less than $125,000. The proposal also calls for $5 billion to expand programs in high-demand fields.
• $9 billion to train, equip and diversify the teacher workforce. This would be done by doubling the scholarships for future teachers from $4,000 to $8,000 annually while earning their degree. It also would put $2.8 billion into Grow Your Own programs and year-long paid teacher residencies, as well as designating $400 million for teacher preparation programs at HBCUs, TCUs and MSIs and $900 million for the development of special education teachers. President Biden also proposed $1.6 billion to provide educators with opportunities to earn additional certifications in high-demand areas. Lastly, $2 billion would go to educator leadership.   

Advance CTE’s statement on the American Families Plan can be found here. The full fact sheet on the American Families Plan can be found here. 

Senate HELP Committee Holds Hearing on COVID-19 Recovery
Written by Michael Matthews, Government Relations Manager, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Full post can be found here. 

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing entitled “COVID-19 Recovery: Supporting Workers and Modernizing the Workforce Through Quality Education, Training, and Employment Opportunities.” The witnesses for the hearing included Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs For the Future; Deniece Thomas, deputy commissioner of workforce learning and development in the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development; Scott Ralls, president of Wake Technical Community College; and Alejandro Mendoza, human resources director at Optimax Systems Inc.

Overall, both parties agreed on the need for bipartisan proposals to provide increased funding and attention to our nation’s workforce programs. The witnesses and Committee members spent the hearing talking about the need to expand skills-based education and training opportunities, like finding ways to expand access to apprenticeships; providing better support and wraparound services to ensure program completion and success; preparing workers for the STEM workforce; reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA); and extending Pell Grant eligibility to students who attend high-quality short-term programs at community colleges and public institutions, among others.

House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds hearing on Increasing Investments in Community Colleges 

Written by Michael Matthews, Government Relations Manager, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Full post can be found here. 

Last week the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies held a hearing on increasing investments in Community Colleges. The witnesses for the hearing included Dr. Walter Bumphus, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges; Dr. Mary Alice McCarthy, director, Center on Education and Labor from New America; Dr. William T. Brown, the chief executive officer of Gateway Community College; and Kelli Jordan, Director, IBM Career Skills and Performance.

The hearing covered a broad range of issues facing community colleges and their students, such as childcare, broadband access, equity, dual enrollment, college transfers and job training, including apprenticeships. Much of the conversation addressed how community colleges can help in post-Covid economic and workforce development, with both sides generally agreeing that more investments are necessary.

In her opening statement, Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) affirmed that “we need to invest in these institutions, build the architecture of the future at the federal, as well as local levels. Our community colleges are the backbone of our education system. It is crucial that we provide them with–and their students–with the funding and the resources needed to build a brighter and a more prosperous future for all Americans.” Likewise, in his opening statement, Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), who was filling in for Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK), stated that “community colleges have proven they can adapt to a changing environment meeting students where they are, working with local businesses to develop programs that lead to good paying, sustainable jobs,” when discussing their importance in our nation’s economic recovery. More specifically, the economic and workforce development programs discussed included the Strengthening Community College Training Grant (SCCTG) program; expanding apprenticeship and work-based learning programs, and expanding Pell eligibility to high-quality short-term job training programs. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week new information was shared about how states and districts can receive education stimulus funding. Read below to learn more about the application process to access these funds, as well as continued hearings for Administration appointees and workforce legislation introduced in Congress.  

ED Releases State Plan Template for Stimulus Funds 

On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the release of the state plan application for use of resources under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund. In March, states were given access to two-thirds of the ARP ESSER funds, and the remaining third will be made available once state plans are approved by ED. The plan must include how states will:

• Ensure the state and districts are demonstrating transparency in their planning; 
• Identify and meet the needs of students most impacted by the pandemic; 
• Choose effective evidence-based interventions; and 
• Prioritize educational equity, inclusive stakeholder engagement and strong fiscal safeguards. 

State level stakeholder engagement for this application must include: students; families; Tribal Nations; civil rights and/or disability rights organizations; teachers, principals, school leaders, other educators, school staff and their unions, school and district administrators; superintendents; charter school leaders; and other stakeholders representing the interests of children with disabilities, English learners, children experiencing homelessness, children and youth in foster care, migratory students, children who are incarcerated and other underserved students.

Not only will the applications provide information about how this funding will be used, but it will also inform ED’s technical assistance to states and districts and its approach to monitoring implementation of funds. 

Plans must be submitted by June 7, 2021. The full press release can be found here. 

HELP Committee Confirms Undersecretary of Education
Written by Michael Matthews, Government Relations Manager, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Full post can be found here. 

This week President Biden’s nominee for under secretary of education, James Kvaal, was confirmed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. This follows last week’s nomination hearing in front of the Senate HELP Committee. Kvaal previously served as deputy under secretary of education under the Obama Administration and more recently the president of The Institute for College Access and Success..

Kvaal faced tough questioning from Senators on both sides of the aisle on issues ranging from the president’s agenda around free college and student loan forgiveness, to his previous opposition of expanding Pell grant eligibility to high-quality short-term job training programs. More specifically, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) started off his questioning by asking Kvaal if he believed that high-quality short-term workforce training is higher education, to which he simply replied, “I do.” This has long been a point of contention with many in the higher education community, with some believing that these programs should be considered workforce development and not education. Kvaal went on to further state, “I agree that career and technical education programs can lead to really meaningful career job opportunities. They deserve the same amount of support and the same amount of respect that other types of higher education programs do. And, if I’m confirmed, I’m confident we can work together to support high-quality training programs, including those that are shorter than 15 weeks.” Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Jim Hickenlooper (D-CO) also voiced their support for CTE, apprenticeships and STEM during their five-minute remarks.

House Announces Plan to Reauthorize WIOA 

House Committee on Education and Labor Chair Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-NC) announced the start of a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Committee leadership shared the below joint statement:

“America’s workforce development programs are critical to the success of workers, employers, and our economy. Committee Democrats and Republicans are working together to advance a bipartisan reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that offers workers the opportunity to gain in-demand skills and provides employers the talent they need to succeed and grow. We look forward to holding a series of public hearings to advance this important work and continue the tradition of bipartisan support for workforce development programs.”

Advance CTE’s recommendations for WIOA reauthorization can be found here, and include priorities for connecting education and the workforce, aligning federal policy to the 21st century workforce, supporting successful outcomes for in-and out- of school youth, improving data and accountability and elevating career pathways.  

Congress Introduces Infrastructure Bill 

The Building U.S. Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills (BUILDS) Act was reintroduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) (Co-Chairs of the Senate CTE Caucus), Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) (Co-Chairs of the House CTE Caucus), as well as Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). This bill promotes sector partnerships made up of local businesses and industry organizations, workforce boards, labor representatives and education and training providers to support workforce training programs in infrastructure-related jobs. It also includes support services to help participants succeed in work-based learning. Advance CTE is pleased to support the BUILDS Act. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced additional appointments, including the new Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives. Read below to learn more about this appointment, as well as the “skinny” Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget proposal from the Biden Administration and new information from ED regarding safely reopening schools. 

ED Announces New OCTAE Deputy Assistant Secretary

Dr. Amy Loyd was announced today as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives at OCTAE as well as Acting Assistant Secretary. A full statement from Advance CTE in support of Dr. Loyd’s appointment can be found here. An excerpt from Advance CTE’s Executive Director Kimberly Green is below: 

“On behalf of Advance CTE, I am delighted with the appointment of Dr. Amy Loyd as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives at OCTAE. She is a friend to and advocate of Career Technical Education (CTE), with a deep and long history and commitment to ensuring every learner has access to a high-quality career pathway. Dr. Loyd understands the breadth of CTE – from secondary, postsecondary and adult programs – and has done extensive work developing education programs for historically marginalized populations, including individuals reentering communities from the criminal justice system and Alaska Native and American Indian families. She is a national expert regarding systems change, career pathways, equity, scaling best practices and building more resilient systems and is an excellent, high-qualified choice for this position.”  

President Biden Shares FY22 Budget Proposal  

Today the Biden Administration submitted an abbreviated version of its FY22 discretionary budget request to Congress which includes a proposed $29.8 billion increase in ED programs. While the “skinny” budget did not include the Administration’s request for Career Technical Education (CTE), it does outline some education and workforce funding levels, including: 

• $20 billion increase to Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA);
• $3 billion increase to raise the maximum Pell Grant by $400;
• $600 million increase for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); 
• $203 million to increase Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) state grants; and
• $100 million increase to expand registered apprenticeship programs.

A press release can be found here and the full request can be found here. Advance CTE will be monitoring additional updates that come as more detailed information on the budget proposal is shared out.  

ED Releases COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2 

In today’s release of the COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs, ED seeks to provide, “additional strategies for safely reopening all of America’s schools and to promote educational equity by addressing opportunity gaps that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

This document expands on the health and safety measures highlighted in Volume 1: Strategies for Safely Reopening Elementary and Secondary Schools, which provided strategies schools can use to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) K-12 Operational Strategy.

In releasing this expansion of Volume 1, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said, “There is simply no substitute for in-person learning, but as schools reopen their doors, we must also make sure that we are meeting students’ social, emotional, physical, mental-health, and academic needs, and addressing gaps that existed before—and were exacerbated by—the pandemic. This is an opportunity for us to not only reopen our schools safely, but to make sure our education systems are truly serving all our nation’s students.”

The full press release can be found here. 

Scott Stump, Senior Advisor and Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week the White House announced a new American Jobs Plan. Read below to learn more about what this proposal means for Career Technical Education (CTE), as well as an ask for stakeholder input from the Senate, new information for student loan borrowers and a recent Senate confirmation for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). 

Biden Releases New Infrastructure Plan That Calls Out CTE 

On Wednesday President Biden announced the American Jobs Plan, which would invest more than $2 trillion over ten years in infrastructure expansions and improvements. This includes $100 billion for workforce development, which is responsive to the amount that Advance CTE and 70 state and national organizations called for earlier this month in a letter to President Biden. The full amount is comprised of: 

• $48 billion to build the capacity of existing workforce development and worker protection systems. This includes new career pathway programs in middle and high schools, which aligns with Advance CTE’s priority of elevating career pathways. The funding will also prioritize increasing access to computer science and high-quality CTE programs that connect underrepresented students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and in-demand sectors through partnerships with institutions of higher education and employers.
  
  Apprenticeships are addressed in this section as well, with a commitment to creating one to two new million registered apprenticeships. Additionally, there is a focus on strengthening the pipeline for more people of color and women to access these programs through pre-apprenticeships. President Biden plans to support community college partnerships that increase capacity to deliver job training programs in response to in-demand skills. This partnership would tailor services to individual needs with new investments in Expanded Career Services and the Title II adult literacy program. Advance CTE has been calling for the Biden administration to invest in postsecondary partnerships that prepare for career pathways in high-growth, in-demand industry sectors (building off the success of the Trade Adjustment and Assistance Community College and Career Training- or TAACCCT- program), and recommended this be including in reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA). 

• $40 billion for a new Dislocated Workers Program and sector-based training. This funding would allow workers to gain new skills and receive the career support services needed to pursue in-demand jobs. Individuals would receive high-quality training, as well as have access to evidence-based supports, including wraparound services, income supports, counseling and case management. 
• $12 billion for workforce development opportunities in underserved communities. This funding would support evidence-based community violence prevention programs. President Biden is also calling on Congress to invest in job training for formerly incarcerated individuals and justice-involved youth, address long-term unemployment and underemployment through a subsidized jobs program and eliminate sub-minimum wage provisions. This section names the structural racism and economic inequities that persist for millions of individuals. Advance CTE has advocated for the administration to eliminate structures that embed systemic racism in education and workforce programs, and is glad to see this addressed throughout the plan.  

The proposal also includes an investment of $100 billion to expand high-speed broadband access to each individual. Advance CTE has been calling for an investment in internet access, and is pleased to see this addressed. Additionally, the proposal would invest $100 billion to upgrade and build new public schools, through $50 billion in direct grants and $50 billion in bonds.

The full fact sheet on the American Jobs Plan can be found here. Advance CTE’s statement on the American Jobs Plan can be found here. A second part to this plan will be shared in the coming weeks, and Congress will work to consider both pieces in legislation. 

Senate HELP Committee Seeks Input on Workforce Policies 

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC) announced that they are working together to create bipartisan solutions to expand working training programs and the National Apprenticeship Act, as well as support innovation. The Senators requested input from all stakeholders on policy ideas to achieve those goals, for consideration in legislation that will be shared by early this summer. Comments from stakeholders must be submitted by April 9, 2021 to [email protected]. In particular, Senators Murray and Burr are looking for proposals of: 

• How to enhance or improve workforce training in direct relation to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and economic recovery, including ways to address workforce needs of the health care and public health sectors;
• Reforms to programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act;
• Ways to develop, modernize, and diversify the national apprenticeship system, including innovative approaches such as youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship; and
• Strategies to encourage innovation to address worker and industry needs. 

ED Announces Updates for Student Loan Borrowers

This week the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced an expansion of the pause on federal student loan interest and collections to all defaulted loans in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. ED also announced relief for borrowers who received student loan discharges due to total and permanent disability. This update will ensure that no borrowers are at risk of having their loans reinstated due to failure to provide earnings information during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Senate Confirms New DOL Secretary 

The Senate confirmed Boston, Massachusetts Mayor Marty Walsh as the new Secretary of Labor in a 68-29 vote. Some of Secretary Walsh’s immediate tasks include expanding apprenticeship opportunities, expanding emergency unemployment programs due to pandemic impacts and implementing stricter workplace safety measures. Secretary Walsh shared his thoughts on meeting the moment with his new role and listed the following priorities: 

• Bolstering career education and job training; 
• Ensuring equal access to good jobs; 
• Ensuring all workers have fair pay, health care, unemployment benefits, safe workplaces and a secure retirement; 
• Ensuring workers have a seat at the table in shaping workplace conditions and policies; and
• Increasing access to mental health and substance use treatment.  

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week new information was shared about safely reopening schools, resources to best support students during this time and guidance on the newest stimulus funds. Read below to learn more about the latest details provided by the Administration. 

Administration Announces New Actions to Support Schools and Students

On Wednesday President Joe Biden announced that $81 billion from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) have been released to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to be used as aid in getting students safely back to school for in-person learning and responding to the academic, social, emotional and mental health needs of students. Specific state allocations from this first round of funds can be found here. 

ED Launches Summer Learning and Enrichment Collaborative

During Thursday’s National Safe School Reopening Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the new Summer Learning and Enrichment Collaborative. The Collaborative will launch in April 2021 in partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA). It will operate as a learning community that will bring stakeholders together to develop plans for high-quality and evidence-based summer learning and enrichment programs. 

Secretary Cardona also encouraged states to use ARP funds to develop summer programs that address the instructional and extracurricular time students lost due to the pandemic, particularly for underserved communities. The Collaborative is intended to build capacity for states and districts to use the ARP’s Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds for these programs.  

ED Provides Guidance on Stimulus Higher Education Funding

ED shared new guidance for uses of funds under the ARP’s Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant program. ED changed the requirement from the previous stimulus package, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), that had required HEERF dollars be used for costs incurred on or after December 27, 2020. There is also additional information from ED about how “lost revenue” can be calculated, as well as an expanded Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Public and Private Nonprofit Institution Grants and Proprietary Institution Grant Funds for Students. 

The Notice of Interpretation can be found here, Lost Revenue FAQs here and updates to existing FAQs here.

ED Announces Expanded SNAP Benefits 

ED shared that postsecondary institutions are now able to make outreach to students who meet the temporarily increased eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid will also begin direct outreach efforts to notify students about the temporary changes. Now, SNAP eligibility includes students who either are eligible to participate in state or federal work study during the regular academic year or have an expected family contribution of 0 in the current academic year. This will be in effect until 30 days after the pandemic public health emergency is lifted. Additional information can be found here. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week, a bill that supports Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality short-term programs was reintroduced in the House and Senate. Read below to learn about this legislation, and why it is more important now than ever, as well as information on state allocations for K-12 school funding, the reintroduction of a bill that would advance postsecondary data and a new apprenticeship grant program.  

Congress Reintroduces the JOBS Act 

On Thursday Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Rob Portman (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Senate Career Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, as well as Representatives Andy Levin (D-MI) and Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) reintroduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act in the Senate and House. This bill would expand Pell Grant eligibility to high-quality short-term programs that lead to high skill, high wage or in-demand jobs. Advance CTE joined ten other national organizations in sending a letter to Congressional leadership in support of the JOBS Act. This is also one of Advance CTE’s priorities for HEA reauthorization. 

This legislation would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to: 

• Expand Pell Grant eligibility to include high-quality short-term programs that result in industry-based credentials and a job in high-wage, high-skill careers; 
• Ensure quality of these postsecondary credentials through a number of measures, including alignment with the program of study definition in the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V); 
• Define an eligible job training program as one offered at an institution of higher education and provides at least 150 clock hours of instruction over a period of eight weeks, training that meets the needs of local or regional workforce partners and institutional credit articulation that can be built upon to further education and careers; and
• Create an inter-agency data sharing agreement between the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to share Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) performance outcomes data. 

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has put millions of individuals out of work, and disproportionately impacted workers of color, women and those without a college degree. Many of these workers want or need to train for a different career. Making Pell Grants available for short-term programs would allow these individuals to receive the financial support needed to achieve the upskilling or reskilling necessary for their career aspirations. The pandemic has meant structural changes to our economy happened almost overnight. We need a nimble, responsive education system that can respond to structural shifts in the labor market so that people, businesses and economies are more responsive and resilient.  

You can find a summary of the JOBS Act here and the full bill text here. 

ED Announces State Funding Allocations to Reopen Schools

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced the amount of funding that each state, DC and Puerto Rico would receive through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding authorized in the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act that was signed into law last week. ED will begin to make this funding available to state eligible agencies (SEAs) as soon as this month. The ESSER funds, totaling approximately $122 billion, can be used to safely reopen K-12 schools and address the learning loss and disruptions to learning and teaching due to  the pandemic. ED Secretary Miguel Cardona has emphasized the need to ensure that those students who have been most impacted by pandemic disruptions are able to receive the resources and supports needed to recover. 

Additional information on the ARP ESSER Fund can be found here. 

Congress Reintroduces College Transparency Act

This week Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Mikie Sherill (D-NJ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Bryan Steil (R-WI), along with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) reintroduced the College Transparency Act in the House and Senate. This legislation would create a student-level data network within the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and promote transparency and accuracy in postsecondary student data. The privacy-protected postsecondary data system would be disaggregated and report out student incomes such as completion and post-college success. NCES would also develop post-college outcomes reports in a user-friendly website format so that learners and their families can make informed decisions.  

Advance CTE supports this legislation, and its goals are aligned with Advance CTE’s priorities for HEA reauthorization. 

DOL Announces Grant for States to Expand and Diversify Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced approximately $87.5 million for grants to expand Registered Apprenticeships. These State Apprenticeship Expansion, Equity and Innovation (SAEEI) Grants will be awarded to states in amounts running from $2 million to $10 million, based on the needs of that state. Of the total grant funding, up to $40 million will be awarded to states that have diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and plan to expand this work.  

The SAEEI grant program aims to achieve the following goals: 

• Provide states with the flexibility to meet industry needs and demands; 
• Support the development, modernization and diversification of Registered Apprenticeships; 
• Improve workforce system integration; 
• Increase the number of apprentices, including underrepresented populations; and
• Promote innovation in development and recruitment strategies. 

This grant program builds on President Joe Biden’s previous Executive Order on strengthening registered apprenticeships. You can learn about how to apply for this grant here. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

This week, a new major stimulus package was signed into law. Read below to learn more about what this bill includes, a change to the upcoming appropriations process and new resources on COVID-19 vaccinations for school staff. 

President Signs New Stimulus Bill into Law

On Thursday President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) into law, following the House passing of this bill on Wednesday and the Senate vote at the end of last week. This $1.9 trillion stimulus bill was passed through a reconciliation process, and allocates $170 billion for an Education Stabilization Fund that includes:

• $127.775 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
  From this fund, states are required to put 5% to respond to learning loss, 1% must go to evidence-based summer enrichment programs and 1% must go to evidence-based afterschool programs. Local education agencies are required to designate 20% of the funding they receive to respond to learning loss and address student needs. The remaining funding is authorized for various federal education policies including activities under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V);
• $39.585 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
  This funding is allocated based on a formula that takes Pell Grant- eligible enrolled students into account. $3 billion is designated for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs). All institutions of higher education must put at least 50% of the funds received to financial aid for students. This bill also amends a piece of the Higher Education Act (HEA) commonly referred to as the “90/10 rule.” Under HEA, proprietary institutions can not receive more than 90% of revenue from Title IV of HEA. Through this new bill, the 90% will count all forms of federal financial aid (including veterans’ benefits from the GI Bill). The rulemaking process for this change will begin in October 2021, and the final update will go into effect in January 2023.
• $2.75 billion for Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools
  Governors will receive this funding and must allocate it to private schools that serve a significant percentage of low-income students. 

The bill also includes $7.27 billion for an Emergency Connectivity Fund through the E-rate program available through September 2030 for schools and libraries to purchase internet connectivity and technological devices. Another significant investment is $362.05 billion for a Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. 

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) shared estimates of the amount of funding states and institutions of higher education can expect to receive through the Education Stabilization Fund. Additional information on the ARP legislation, including summaries, can be found here. 

House Appropriations Committee Restores a Version of Earmarks

Written by Michael Matthews, Government Relations Manager, Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Original post can be found here. 

At the end of February, House Appropriations Chairwoman Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) announced that the House would restore earmarks, albeit a more transparent and limited version, ending a decade-long prohibition. An earmark is a provision that is inserted into an appropriations bill that gives policymakers the power to direct specific funds to their district to pay for special projects, most typically infrastructure projects.

Under the new proposal, earmarks are capped at 1% of all discretionary spending, which is currently around $1.4 trillion. Aside from the 1% cap, there are other restrictions put in place to increase transparency and oversight. These include:

• Each House member is limited to a maximum of 10 requests;
• All requests and explanations will be public;
• For-profit institutions are ineligible;
• Members must provide proof that the community supports the project; and 
• Members have to certify that they nor their family have financial interest in the project.

Although the House Democrats have decided to bring back earmarks, it is not yet a done deal. The Senate, although currently debating the merits of the proposal, has not yet decided how to proceed, if at all. Further complicating the process is the fact that Republicans in both chambers are barred by party rules from participating with earmarks. Although the process remains complicated, there are bipartisan talks currently taking place between congressional leaders, and there seems to be sentiment on both sides of the aisle in deal making.

One thing remains clear: If brought back, education stands to benefit. Infrastructure aside, higher education was historically one of the larger recipients of earmarked funds, having received nearly $2 billion in Fiscal Year 2010 for 875 institutions. These funds have been largely used to support academic research, but could be utilized for other projects and programs, including the start of new programs, acquisition of technology for distance learning, commercialization of intellectual property, or other pursuits. As for K-12, the funding could be used, and has been previously, for various pursuits ranging from after school programs to school construction. Given the demand for resources created by the pandemic, schools could use these funds for things like upgraded HVAC systems, extended learning programs that extend beyond the regular school day, and other needs. 

CDC Shares New Resources on Vaccinations for School Staff

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention published two new resources for schools regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccinations: 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit for School Setting and Childcare Programs
  This toolkit provides information for school districts, administrators, teachers, school staff and other education professionals about how to communicate with staff about the coronavirus vaccine, as well as how to plan for staff vaccinations. 
• Teachers, School Staff and Childcare Workers: How to Get Vaccinates
  This page on the CDC website is updated to offer the most current information about how to get vaccinated. 

Meredith Hills, Senior Associate for Federal Policy