Plain Language Summary
# JOBS Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The JOBS Act of 2025 would expand federal financial aid for short-term career training programs. It creates a new type of Pell Grant (federal student aid that doesn't need to be repaid) specifically for job training courses. These grants would cover programs lasting 8-15 weeks that teach skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and other in-demand industries. Students could use this aid to gain job-ready credentials quickly without pursuing a traditional four-year degree. **Who It Affects:** The bill would help students who want to enter the workforce faster through shorter, focused training programs instead of college degrees.
It affects colleges and career training institutions that offer these programs, as well as the Department of Education, which would administer the grants. Workers looking to change careers or gain new skills would also benefit. **Key Provisions:** Students in qualifying programs would receive Pell Grants just like traditional college students. The programs must include 150-600 hours of instruction and focus on high-wage or high-demand job sectors. Importantly, time spent in these job training programs would count toward a student's lifetime Pell Grant eligibility limit, which could affect how much aid they receive later. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 383, sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia) and has not yet been voted on by Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students Act of 2025 or the JOBS Act of 2025This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by establishing the Job Training Federal Pell Grant program.Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to award a job training Pell Grant to a student who does not have a degree; attends an institution of higher education (IHE); is enrolled in a career and technical education program at an IHE that provides 150 to 600 clock hours of instructional time over a period of 8 to 15 weeks and provides training aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors (i.e., job training programs); and meets all other eligibility requirements for a Pell Grant.The bill also specifies that any period during which a student receives a job training Pell Grant counts toward that student's Pell Grant eligibility period.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.