H.R. 1132

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1132 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1132

To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the 
Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-
quality workforce development programs.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 7, 2025

Mrs. McBath (for herself, Mr. Takano, Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Mannion, and Mr. 
Thompson of California) introduced the following bill; which was 
referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the 
Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-
quality workforce development programs.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES GRANT PROGRAM.

Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 173. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
GRANTS PROGRAM.

``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to establish, improve, or expand high-quality 
workforce development programs at community colleges; and
``(2) to expand opportunities for individuals to obtain 
recognized postsecondary credentials that are nationally or 
regionally portable and stackable for high-skill, high-wage, or 
in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
``(b) Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce Development Grants 
Program.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated to carry 
out this section under paragraph (3) and not reserved under 
paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, 
make grants to eligible institutions to carry out the 
activities described in subsection (e).
``(2) Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry 
out this section under paragraph (3), the Secretary may reserve 
not more than two percent for the administration of grants 
awarded under this section, including--
``(A) providing technical assistance and targeted 
outreach to support eligible institutions serving a 
high number or high percentage of low-income 
individuals or individuals with barriers to employment, 
and rural-serving eligible institutions, to provide 
guidance and assistance in the process of applying for 
grants under this section; and
``(B) evaluating and reporting on the performance 
and impact of programs funded under this section in 
accordance with subsections (f) through (h).
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
$65,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
``(c) Award Period.--
``(1) Initial grant period.--Each grant under this section 
shall be awarded for an initial period of not more than 4 
years.
``(2) Subsequent grants.--An eligible institution that 
receives an initial grant under this section may receive one or 
more additional grants under this section for additional 
periods of not more than 4 years each if the eligible 
institution demonstrates that, during the most recently 
completed grant period for a grant received under this section, 
such eligible institution achieved the levels of performance 
agreed to by the eligible institution with respect to the 
performance indicators specified in subsection (f).
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
this section, an eligible institution shall submit an 
application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as 
the Secretary may require.
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by an eligible 
institution under paragraph (1) shall include a description of 
each the following:
``(A) The extent to which the eligible institution 
has demonstrated success building partnerships with 
employers in in-demand industry sectors or occupations 
to provide students with the skills needed for 
occupations in such industries and an explanation of 
the results of any such partnerships.
``(B) The methods and strategies the eligible 
institution will use to engage with employers in in-
demand industry sectors or occupations, including any 
arrangements to place individuals who complete the 
workforce development programs supported by the grant 
into employment with such employers.
``(C) The proposed eligible institution and 
industry partnership that the eligible institution will 
establish or maintain to comply with subsection (e)(1), 
including--
``(i) the roles and responsibilities of 
each employer, organization, agency, or 
institution of higher education that the 
eligible institution will partner with to carry 
out the activities under this section; and
``(ii) the needs that will be addressed by 
such eligible institution and industry 
partnership.
``(D) One or more industries that such partnership 
will target and real-time labor market data 
demonstrating that those industries are aligned with 
employer demand in the geographic area to be served by 
the eligible institution.
``(E) The extent to which the eligible institution 
can--
``(i) leverage additional resources to 
support the programs to be funded with the 
grant, which shall include written commitments 
of any leveraged or matching funds for the 
proposed programs; and
``(ii) demonstrate the future 
sustainability of each such program.
``(F) The steps the institution will take to ensure 
the high quality of each program to be funded with the 
grant, including the career pathways within such 
programs.
``(G) The population and geographic area to be 
served by the eligible institution, including the 
number of individuals the eligible institution intends 
to serve during the grant period.
``(H) The workforce development programs to be 
supported by the grant.
``(I) The recognized postsecondary credentials that 
are expected to be earned by participants in such 
workforce development programs and the related high-
wage, high skill, or in-demand industry sectors or 
occupations for which such programs will prepare 
participants.
``(J) The evidence upon which the education and 
skills development strategies to be used in such 
workforce development programs are based and an 
explanation of how such evidence influenced the design 
of the programs to improve education and employment 
outcomes.
``(K) How activities of the eligible institution 
are expected to align with the workforce strategies 
identified in--
``(i) any State plan or local plan 
submitted under this Act by the State, outlying 
area, or locality in which the eligible 
institution is expected to operate;
``(ii) any State plan submitted under 
section 122 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
2342) by such State or outlying area; and
``(iii) any economic development plan of 
the chief executive of such State or outlying 
area.
``(L) The goals of the eligible institution with 
respect to--
``(i) capacity building (as described in 
subsection (f)(1)(B)); and
``(ii) the expected performance of 
individuals participating in the programs to be 
offered by the eligible institution, including 
with respect to any performance indicators 
applicable under section 116 or subsection (f) 
of this section.
``(3) Consideration of previous experience.--The Secretary 
may not disqualify an eligible institution from receiving a 
grant under this section solely because such institution lacks 
previous experience in building partnerships, as described in 
paragraph (2)(A).
``(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that--
``(A) will use the grant to serve--
``(i) individuals with barriers to 
employment; or
``(ii) incumbent workers who need to gain 
or improve foundational skills to enhance their 
employability;
``(B) use competency-based assessments to award 
academic credit for prior learning for programs 
supported by the grant, such as any competency-based 
assessment developed and identified by the State in 
which the eligible institution is located, in 
coordination with industry organizations, employers 
(including small and mid-sized employers), industry or 
sector partnerships, training providers, local boards, 
and institutions of higher education; and
``(C) have, or will seek to have, the career 
education programs supported by the grant included on 
the list of eligible providers of training services 
under section 122 for the State in which the eligible 
institution is located.
``(e) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Eligible institution and industry partnership.--For 
the purpose of carrying out the activities specified in 
paragraphs (2) and (3), an eligible institution that receives a 
grant under this section shall establish a partnership (or 
continue an existing partnership) with one or more employers in 
an in-demand industry sector or occupation (in this section 
referred to as an `eligible institution and industry 
partnership') and shall maintain such partnership for the 
duration of the grant period. The eligible institution shall 
ensure that the partnership--
``(A) targets one or more specific high-skill, 
high-wage, or in-demand industries;
``(B) includes collaboration with the workforce 
development system;
``(C) serves adult and dislocated workers, 
incumbent workers, and new entrants to the workforce;
``(D) uses an evidence-based program design that is 
appropriate for the activities carried out by the 
partnership;
``(E) incorporates work-based learning 
opportunities, as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 
U.S.C. 2302); and
``(F) incorporates, to the extent appropriate, 
virtual service delivery to facilitate technology-
enabled learning.
``(2) Required activities.--An eligible institution that 
receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation with 
the employers in the eligible institution and industry 
partnership described in paragraph (1)--
``(A) establish, improve, or expand high quality, 
evidence-based workforce development programs, career 
pathway programs, or work-based learning programs 
(including apprenticeship programs or 
preapprenticeships);
``(B) provide career services to individuals 
participating in the programs funded with the grant to 
facilitate retention and program completion, which may 
include--
``(i) career navigation, coaching, 
mentorship, and case management services, 
including providing information and outreach to 
individuals with barriers to employment to 
encourage such individuals to participate in 
programs funded with the grant; and
``(ii) providing access to course 
materials, technological devices, required 
equipment, and other supports necessary for 
participation in and successful completion of 
such programs; and
``(C) make available, in a format that is open, 
searchable, and easily comparable, information on--
``(i) curricula and recognized 
postsecondary credentials offered through 
programs funded with the grant, including any 
curricula or credentials created or further 
developed using such grant, which for each 
recognized postsecondary credential, shall 
include--
``(I) the issuing entity of such 
credential;
``(II) any third-party endorsements 
of such credential;
``(III) the occupations for which 
the credential prepares individuals;
``(IV) the skills and competencies 
necessary to achieve to earn such 
credential;
``(V) the level of mastery of such 
skills and competencies (including how 
mastery is assessed); and
``(VI) any transfer value or 
stackability of the credential;
``(ii) any skills or competencies developed 
by individuals who participate in such programs 
beyond the skills and competencies identified 
as part of the recognized postsecondary 
credential awarded; and
``(iii) related employment and earnings 
outcomes on the primary indicators of 
performance described in subclauses (I) through 
(III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i), except that 
subclause (II) of such section shall be applied 
by--
``(I) substituting `second' for 
`fourth'; and
``(II) as if `and remain in 
unsubsidized employment during the 
fourth quarter after exit from the 
program' were inserted after `the 
program'.
``(3) Additional activities.--In addition to the activities 
required under paragraph (2), an eligible institution that 
receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation with 
the employers in the eligible institution and industry 
partnership described in paragraph (1), carry out one or more 
of the following activities:
``(A) Establish, improve, or expand--
``(i) articulation agreements (as defined 
in section 486A(a) of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1093a(a)));
``(ii) credit transfer agreements;
``(iii) corequisite remediation programs 
that enable a student to receive remedial 
education services while enrolled in a 
postsecondary course rather than requiring the 
student to receive remedial education before 
enrolling in a such a course;
``(iv) dual or concurrent enrollment 
programs;
``(v) competency-based education and 
assessment; or
``(vi) policies and processes to award 
academic credit for prior learning or for the 
programs described in paragraph (2)(A).
``(B) Establish or implement plans for providers of 
the programs described in paragraph (2)(A) to meet the 
criteria and carry out the procedures necessary to be 
included on the eligible training services provider 
list described in section 122(d).
``(C) Purchase, lease, or refurbish specialized 
equipment as necessary to carry out such programs, 
provided that not more than 15 percent of the funds 
awarded to the eligible institution under this section 
may be used for activities described in this 
subparagraph.
``(D) Reduce or eliminate unmet financial need 
relating to the cost of attendance (as defined under 
section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1087ll)) of participants in such programs.
``(4) Administrative cost limit.--An eligible institution 
may use not more than 7 percent of the funds awarded under this 
section for administrative costs, including costs related to 
collecting information, analysis, and coordination for purposes 
of subsection (f).
``(f) Performance Levels and Performance Reviews.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and 
implement guidance that establishes the levels of performance 
that are expected to be achieved by each eligible institution 
receiving a grant under this section. Such performance levels 
shall be established on the following indicators:
``(A) Each of the primary indicators of performance 
for adults described in section 116(b), which shall be 
applied for all individuals who participated in a 
program that received funding from a grant under this 
section.
``(B) The extent to which the eligible institution 
built capacity by--
``(i) increasing the breadth and depth of 
employer engagement and investment in workforce 
development programs in the in-demand industry 
sectors and occupations targeted by the 
eligible institution and industry partnership 
established or maintained by the eligible 
institution under subsection (e)(1);
``(ii) designing or implementing new and 
accelerated instructional techniques or 
technologies, including the use of advanced 
online and technology-enabled learning (such as 
immersive technology); and
``(iii) increasing program and policy 
alignment across systems and decreasing 
duplicative services or service gaps.
``(C) With respect to individuals who participated 
in a workforce development program funded with the 
grant--
``(i) the percentage of participants who 
successfully completed the program; and
``(ii) of the participants who were 
incumbent workers at the time of enrollment in 
the program, the percentage who advanced into 
higher level positions during or after 
completing the program.
``(2) Consultation and determination of performance 
levels.--
``(A) Consideration.--In developing performance 
levels in accordance with paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall take into consideration the goals of the eligible 
institution pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(L).
``(B) Determination.--After completing the 
consideration required under subparagraph (A), the 
Secretary shall separately determine the performance 
levels that will apply to each eligible institution, 
taking into account--
``(i) the expected performance levels of 
each eligible institution with respect to the 
goals described by the eligible institution 
pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(L); and
``(ii) local economic conditions in the 
geographic area to be served by the eligible 
institution, including differences in 
unemployment rates and job losses or gains in 
particular industries.
``(C) Notice and acknowledgment.--
``(i) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide 
each eligible institution with a written 
notification that sets forth the performance 
levels that will apply to the eligible 
institution, as determined under subparagraph 
(B).
``(ii) Acknowledgment.--After receiving the 
notification described in clause (i), each 
eligible institution shall submit to the 
Secretary written confirmation that the 
eligible institution--
``(I) received the notification; 
and
``(II) agrees to be evaluated in 
accordance with the performance levels 
determined by the Secretary.
``(3) Performance reviews.--On an annual basis during each 
year of the grant period, the Secretary shall evaluate the 
performance during such year of each eligible institution 
receiving a grant under this section in a manner consistent 
with the performance levels determined for such institution 
pursuant to paragraph (2).
``(4) Failure to meet performance levels.--After conducting 
an evaluation under paragraph (3), if the Secretary determines 
that an eligible institution did not achieve the performance 
levels applicable to the eligible institution under paragraph 
(2), the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide technical assistance to the eligible 
institution; and
``(B) develop a performance improvement plan for 
the eligible institution.
``(g) Evaluations and Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date on 
which the first grant is made under this section, the Secretary 
shall design and conduct an evaluation to determine the overall 
effectiveness of the eligible institutions receiving a grant 
under this section.
``(2) Elements.--The evaluation of the effectiveness of 
eligible institutions conducted under paragraph (1) shall 
include an assessment of the general effectiveness of programs 
and activities supported by the grants awarded to such eligible 
institutions under this section, including the extent to which 
the programs and activities--
``(A) developed new, or expanded existing, 
successful industry sector strategies, including the 
extent to which such eligible institutions deepened 
employer engagement and developed workforce development 
programs that met industry skill needs;
``(B) created, expanded, or enhanced career 
pathways, including the extent to which the eligible 
institutions developed or improved competency-based 
education and assessment, credit for prior learning, 
modularized and self-paced curricula, integrated 
education and workforce development, dual enrollment in 
secondary and postsecondary career pathways, stacked 
and latticed credentials, and online and distance 
learning;
``(C) created alignment between eligible 
institutions and the workforce development system;
``(D) assisted individuals with finding, retaining, 
or advancing in employment;
``(E) assisted individuals with earning recognized 
postsecondary credentials; and
``(F) provided equal access to various demographic 
groups, including people of different geographic 
locations, ages, races, national origins, and sexes.
``(3) Design requirements.--The evaluation under this 
subsection shall--
``(A) be designed by the Secretary (acting through 
the Chief Evaluation Officer) in conjunction with the 
eligible institutions being evaluated;
``(B) include analysis of program participant 
feedback and outcome and process measures; and
``(C) use designs that employ the most rigorous 
analytical and statistical methods that are reasonably 
feasible, such as the use of control groups.
``(4) Data accessibility.--The Secretary shall make 
available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of 
Labor any data collected as part of the evaluation under this 
subsection. Such data shall be made available in an aggregated 
format that does not reveal personally identifiable information 
and that ensures compliance with relevant Federal laws, 
including section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act 
(commonly known as the `Family Educational Rights and Privacy 
Act of 1974') (20 U.S.C. 1232g).
``(5) Publication and reporting of evaluation findings.--
The Secretary (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer) 
shall--
``(A) in accordance with the timeline determined to 
be appropriate by the Chief Evaluation Officer, publish 
an interim report on the preliminary results of the 
evaluation conducted under this subsection;
``(B) not later than 60 days after the date on 
which the evaluation is completed under this 
subsection, submit to the Committee on Education and 
the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 
the Senate a report on such evaluation; and
``(C) not later than 90 days after such completion 
date, publish and make the results of such evaluation 
available on a publicly accessible website of the 
Department of Labor.
``(h) Annual Reports.--The Secretary shall make available on a 
publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, in transparent, 
linked, open, and interoperable data formats, the following 
information:
``(1) The performance of eligible institutions on the 
capacity-building performance indicator set forth under 
subsection (f)(1)(B).
``(2) The performance of eligible institutions on the 
workforce development participant outcome performance 
indicators set forth under subsection (f)(1)(C).
``(3) The number of individuals enrolled in workforce 
development programs funded with a grant under this section.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Community college.--The term `community college' 
means--
``(A) a public institution of higher education (as 
defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act 
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), at which--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an 
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most 
frequently awarded degree;
``(B) a branch campus of a 4-year public 
institution of higher education (as defined in section 
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001)), if, at such branch campus--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an 
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most 
frequently awarded degree;
``(C) a 2-year Tribal College or University (as 
defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3))); or
``(D) a degree-granting Tribal College or 
University (as defined in section 316(b)(3) of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3))) 
at which--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an 
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most 
frequently awarded degree.
``(2) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible 
institution' means--
``(A) a community college;
``(B) a postsecondary vocational institution (as 
defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act 
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))); or
``(C) a consortium of such colleges or 
institutions.
``(j) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this 
section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, 
State, and local public funds made available for carrying out the 
activities described in this section.''.
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