H.R. 7117

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7117 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7117

To increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by 
accelerating time to degree, aligning secondary and postsecondary 
education, and improving postsecondary credit transfer.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 15, 2026

Mr. Olszewski (for himself and Mr. Moylan) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by 
accelerating time to degree, aligning secondary and postsecondary 
education, and improving postsecondary credit transfer.

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Fast Track To and Through College 
Act''.

SEC. 2. ACCELERATING TIME TO DEGREE.

(a) In General.--Part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparts 5, 6, and 7, as subparts 6, 
7, and 8, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subpart 4 the following:

``Subpart 5--Accelerating Time to Degree

``SEC. 416A. PURPOSE.

``The purpose of this subpart is to increase rates of college 
completion and reduce college costs by accelerating time to degree, 
aligning secondary and postsecondary education, and improving 
postsecondary credit transfer.

``SEC. 416B. DEFINITIONS.

``In this subpart:
``(1) Advanced coursework.--The term `advanced coursework' 
means coursework designed for students to earn postsecondary 
credit upon its successful completion while still in high 
school, such as coursework associated with Advanced Placement, 
International Baccalaureate, a dual or concurrent enrollment 
program, and early college high school programs.
``(2) Career and technical education.--The term `career and 
technical education' has the meaning given the term in section 
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
2006.
``(3) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term 
`dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given 
the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965.
``(4) Early college fast track pathway.--The term `early 
college fast track pathway' means a sequence of dual or 
concurrent enrollment program courses, Advanced Placement 
courses, International Baccalaureate courses, or other advanced 
coursework or assessments approved by the eligible entity taken 
at any point during high school that--
``(A) when taken together, constitute a typical 
first year of study toward an associate degree or 
baccalaureate degree, or, in the case of postsecondary 
credit in career and technical education earned through 
dual or concurrent enrollment program course sequences, 
the first year of study toward a recognized 
postsecondary credential for a high-skill, high-wage, 
or in-demand industry sector or occupation; and
``(B) if completed successfully, results in credit 
that--
``(i) is equivalent to the academic 
workload of not less than 2 semesters of full-
time postsecondary enrollment;
``(ii) satisfies requirements for the 
State's regular high school diploma; and
``(iii) is a part of the statewide 
articulation agreements described in clauses 
(iv) and (v) of section 416C(f)(2)(D), except 
that a pathway designed for earning 
postsecondary credit in career and technical 
education through a dual or concurrent 
enrollment program leading to a recognized 
postsecondary credential may be part of an 
articulation agreement that includes some, but 
not all, public institutions of higher 
education in the State.
``(5) Early college high school.--The term `early college 
high school' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of 
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(6) Early high school graduation fast track pathway.--The 
term `early high school graduation fast track pathway' means a 
scholarship provided to a student who--
``(A) graduates high school early consistent with a 
State's early high school graduation policy;
``(B) does not require remedial coursework in 
postsecondary education consistent with a State's 
postsecondary course placement standards described in 
section 416C(f)(2)(D)(iii); and
``(C) attends any public 2-year or 4-year 
institution of higher education that is a part of the 
eligible entity.
``(7) Early high school graduation policy.--The term `early 
high school graduation policy' means a statewide policy adopted 
by all local educational agencies in a State that--
``(A) allows students the opportunity to earn a 
regular high school diploma in not more than 3 years;
``(B) is based in whole or in part on student 
performance on valid and reliable assessments aligned 
with the challenging State academic standards required 
under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965, which may include a 
nationally recognized high school academic assessment;
``(C) may permit students to earn required credit 
hours for a regular high school diploma through a 
demonstration of competency; and
``(D) includes support for students to ensure a 
successful matriculation to postsecondary education.
``(8) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a 
partnership that, with respect to a State--
``(A) shall include--
``(i) the State educational agency;
``(ii) either--
``(I) the State public higher 
education system inclusive of all 2-
year and 4-year public institutions of 
higher education in the State; or
``(II) a consortium of the State's 
public higher education institutions or 
systems that, together, is inclusive of 
all 2-year and 4-year public 
institutions of higher education in the 
State; and
``(iii) 1 or more local educational 
agencies, including at least 1 high-need local 
educational agency located in the State; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) a consortium of entities described in 
subparagraph (A) from different States;
``(ii) 1 or more public or nonprofit 
private institutions of higher education; and
``(iii) 1 or more businesses, nonprofit 
organizations, State workforce agencies, or 
State workforce development boards established 
under section 101 of the Workforce Innovation 
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
``(9) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based' has the 
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(10) First-generation college student.--The term `first-
generation college student' means--
``(A) an individual both of whose parents did not 
complete a baccalaureate degree; or
``(B) in the case of any individual who regularly 
resided with and received support from only 1 parent, 
an individual whose only such parent did not complete a 
baccalaureate degree.
``(11) Governor.--The term `Governor' means the chief 
executive officer of a State.
``(12) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' means a local educational 
agency--
``(A) that serves not fewer than 10,000 children 
from families with incomes below the poverty line;
``(B) for which not less than 20 percent of the 
children served by the agency are from families with 
incomes below the poverty line;
``(C) that is in the highest quartile of local 
educational agencies in the State, based on student 
poverty; or
``(D) for which not less than 75 percent of the 
children served by the agency are historically 
underrepresented students.
``(13) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning 
given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965.
``(14) Historically underrepresented student.--The term 
`historically underrepresented student' means--
``(A) a student, or prospective student, at an 
institution of higher education who is at risk of 
educational failure or otherwise in need of special 
assistance and support; and
``(B) may include an adult learner, working 
student, part-time student, student from a low-income 
background, student of color, Native youth, single 
parent (including a single pregnant woman), student who 
is a homeless child or youth, youth who is in, or has 
aged out of, the foster care system, first-generation 
college student, and student with a disability.
``(15) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The term 
`in-demand industry sector or occupation' has the meaning given 
the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act.
``(16) Institution of higher education.--The term 
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
term in section 101(a).
``(17) Middle grades.--The term `middle grades' has the 
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(18) Nationally recognized high school academic 
assessment.--The term `nationally recognized high school 
academic assessment' means an assessment of high school 
students' knowledge and skills that is administered in multiple 
States and is recognized by institutions of higher education in 
those or other States for the purposes of entrance or placement 
into courses in postsecondary education or training programs.
``(19) Parent.--The term `parent' has the meaning given the 
term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act of 1965.
``(20) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term 
`recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the 
term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
Act.
``(21) Regular high school diploma.--The term `regular high 
school diploma' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(22) State.--The term `State' means each of the 50 States 
of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the 
District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the United States 
Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands.
``(23) Subgroup of students.--The term `subgroup of 
students' means--
``(A) economically disadvantaged students;
``(B) students from each major racial and ethnic 
group;
``(C) children with disabilities, as defined in 
section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities 
Education Act;
``(D) English learners, as defined in section 8101 
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
``(E) students disaggregated by gender;
``(F) migratory children, as described in section 
1309(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965;
``(G) homeless children and youths, as defined in 
section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance 
Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a);
``(H) students who are in foster care or are aging 
out of the foster care system; and
``(I) students with a parent who is a member of the 
Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(a)(4) of title 
10, United States Code) on active duty (as defined in 
section 101(d) of such title).
``(24) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning' 
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

``SEC. 416C. COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO STATES.

``(a) Reservations.--From the total amount appropriated under 
section 416I for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
``(1) 2 percent to conduct the evaluation described under 
section 416F; and
``(2) 2 percent for technical assistance and dissemination, 
which may include--
``(A) providing, directly or through grants, 
contracts, or cooperative agreements, technical 
assistance on using evidence-based practices to improve 
the outcomes of activities funded under this subpart; 
and
``(B) disseminating information on evidence-based 
practices that are successful in improving the quality 
of activities funded under this subpart.
``(b) Grants.--
``(1) Awards.--From the total amount of funds available 
under section 416I for a fiscal year and not reserved under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall award grants on a 
competitive basis to eligible entities to implement activities 
described under section 416D.
``(2) Limitation.--A State may not receive (whether 
individually or as part of a consortium) a grant under this 
subpart more than once.
``(c) Grant Duration.--Grants awarded under this subpart shall be 
for a period of 5 years.
``(d) Diversity of Projects.--In awarding grants under this 
subpart, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable, 
grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve 
geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural 
areas.
``(e) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the 
Secretary shall give priority to applications that--
``(1) demonstrate experience in the successful adoption or 
implementation of policies and programs described within the 
application requirements under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of 
subsection (f)(2) and uses of funds for evidence-based 
practices under section 416D;
``(2) prioritize implementation of at least 1 early college 
fast track pathway in multiple high-need local educational 
agencies at the beginning of the grant period;
``(3) propose to develop multiple early college fast track 
pathways, including an early college fast track pathway that 
includes career and technical education and work-based learning 
aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry 
sectors or occupations;
``(4) propose to provide a larger award size in its early 
high school graduation fast track pathway relative to the size 
of the maximum Federal Pell Grant award under subpart 1;
``(5) propose to expand access to advanced coursework for 
students who are not eligible for the early college fast track 
pathway or early high school graduation fast track pathway; and
``(6) use school quality or student success indicators to 
hold high schools accountable, consistent with section 
1111(c)(4)(B)(v) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965, that measure access to and completion of advanced 
coursework, dual or concurrent enrollment programs, and early 
college high school programs or postsecondary enrollment, 
remediation, or first-year credit attainment.
``(f) Application.--
``(1) In general.--In order to receive a grant under 
subsection (b) for any fiscal year, the Governor of a State 
shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
may reasonably require.
``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted by a Governor 
under this subsection shall include the following:
``(A) The vision of the eligible entity for 
aligning high school and higher education.
``(B) Signatures from the Governor, chief State 
school officer, and State higher education executive 
officer.
``(C) Evidence for each State within the eligible 
entity demonstrating adoption of--
``(i) an early high school graduation 
policy; and
``(ii) uniform statewide criteria for the 
receipt of postsecondary, nonelective credit at 
all public institutions of higher education in 
the eligible entity based on performance on 
Advanced Placement and International 
Baccalaureate course examinations, and, at the 
discretion of the eligible entity, other 
assessments.
``(D) A description of how the eligible entity 
will, not later than 2 years after the date of the 
initial receipt of funds under this section, implement 
policies and activities to align high school education 
with postsecondary education in each State within the 
eligible entity, which shall include--
``(i) updating State requirements for a 
student to receive a regular high school 
diploma, including students who graduate high 
school early consistent with subparagraph (C), 
to align with the challenging State academic 
standards and entrance requirements for credit-
bearing coursework as described in section 
1111(b)(1)(D) of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965, which may include 
alignment with entrance requirements for 
credit-bearing coursework at the State's system 
of 4-year institutions of higher education;
``(ii) verification of the alignment 
described in clause (i) that is signified by 
the signature of the Governor of the State, 
chief State school officer, and State higher 
education executive officer;
``(iii) developing statewide standards for 
placement in postsecondary remedial coursework 
based on multiple indicators, which may include 
grade point average, college preparatory high 
school courses completed, and performance 
assessments;
``(iv) developing a formal, universal 
statewide articulation agreement among all 
public institutions of higher education or 
systems in each State within the eligible 
entity in which all local educational agencies 
within each State within the eligible entity 
may participate that guarantees--
``(I) students who earn 
postsecondary credit as part of an 
early college fast track pathway are 
able to transfer such credit to--
``(aa) any public 
institution of higher education 
in the State, and that such 
credits will count toward 
meeting specific degree or 
certificate requirements; and
``(bb) any private 
nonprofit institution of higher 
education or public institution 
of higher education located in 
another State that chooses to 
participate in the articulation 
agreement;
``(II) all relevant credits are 
recognized throughout the public system 
of higher education in the State and 
count as credits earned for both a 
regular high school diploma and for a 
degree or certificate program at a 
public institution of higher education 
in the State and at any private 
nonprofit institution of higher 
education or public institution of 
higher education located in another 
State that chooses to participate; and
``(III) if a student earns an 
associate's degree as part of an early 
college fast track pathway, such 
associate's degree, awarded by the 
participating institution of higher 
education in the State, shall be fully 
acceptable in transfer and credited as 
the first 2 years of a related 
baccalaureate program at a public 
institution of higher education in such 
State; and
``(v) developing a formal, universal 
statewide articulation agreement among all 
public institutions of higher education in each 
State within the eligible entity to facilitate 
the seamless transfer of credit earned in the 
early college fast track pathway among such 
institutions of higher education, including 
between 2-year and 4-year public institutions 
of higher education and private nonprofit 
institutions of higher education if such 
private nonprofit institutions of higher 
education choose to participate, which may 
include--
``(I) common course numbering;
``(II) a general education core 
curriculum; and
``(III) management systems 
regarding course equivalency, transfer 
of credit, and articulation.
``(E) A description of how the eligible entity will 
provide students with the opportunity to choose an 
early college fast track pathway or an early high 
school graduation fast track pathway, including--
``(i) the criteria that will be used to 
designate students as eligible to participate 
in the early college fast track pathway prior 
to the conclusion of grade 11, which--
``(I) may be based in part on 
student performance on valid and 
reliable assessments aligned with the 
challenging State academic standards 
required under section 1111(b)(1) of 
the Elementary and Secondary Education 
Act of 1965, which may include a 
nationally recognized high school 
academic assessment, and in part on 
other indicators consistent with the 
statewide standards for placement in 
postsecondary remedial coursework under 
subparagraph (D)(iii);
``(II) if met, shall signify that 
the student will not require remedial 
coursework consistent with the 
placement standards developed under 
subparagraph (D)(iii); and
``(III) shall include students who 
meet the requirements of the State's 
early high school graduation policy;
``(ii) how the eligible entity will 
disseminate information to all students and 
particularly subgroups of students, students 
who would be first-generation college students, 
and, as applicable, other historically 
underrepresented students in the middle grades 
and in grades 9, 10, and 11, served by the 
eligible entity, including their parents, about 
the opportunity to participate in an early 
college fast track pathway or an early high 
school graduation fast track pathway, 
including--
``(I) the requirements students 
must meet to participate in each fast 
track pathway consistent with the 
State's early high school graduation 
policy and eligibility criteria 
described in clause (i);
``(II) information regarding the 
transferability of credits from 
advanced coursework offered in the 
early college fast track pathway, 
including the State's criteria for the 
receipt of postsecondary credit based 
on performance on Advanced Placement 
and International Baccalaureate course 
examinations described in subparagraph 
(C)(ii), which institutions of higher 
education participate in the 
articulation agreements described under 
clauses (iv) and (v) of subparagraph 
(D), and the performance standards 
students must meet in order for credit 
from advanced coursework to transfer 
successfully;
``(III) information on the 
scholarships included within the early 
high school graduation fast track 
pathway, including the size of the 
scholarship and the institutions of 
higher education at which the 
scholarships may be used; and
``(IV) information regarding 
resources and supports available to 
students to prepare them to participate 
and succeed in a fast track pathway;
``(iii) how the eligible entity will 
provide each student served by the eligible 
entity with the opportunity to be assessed 
prior to the conclusion of grade 11 to 
determine whether the student meets--
``(I) the eligibility criteria 
described in clause (i) to participate 
in an early college fast track pathway; 
and
``(II) the requirements of the 
State's early high school graduation 
policy so that a student may 
participate in an early high school 
graduation fast track pathway; and
``(iv) how the eligible entity will notify 
each student, including the student's parents, 
who--
``(I) meets the eligibility 
criteria described under clause (i) no 
later than the beginning of grade 12 
about the opportunity for the student 
to participate in an early college fast 
track pathway for the remainder of the 
student's enrollment in high school; 
and
``(II) meets the requirements of 
the early high school graduation policy 
about the opportunity to graduate high 
school early and receive a scholarship 
as part of an early high school 
graduation fast track pathway.
``(F) A description of how the eligible entity will 
implement the early college fast track pathway and 
early high school graduation fast track pathway in all 
local educational agencies within each State within the 
eligible entity, including--
``(i) the timeline and plan to provide, by 
the end of the grant period, all students in 
the State who meet the eligibility criteria 
described under subparagraph (E)(i) the 
opportunity to participate in an early college 
fast track pathway, which may include online 
coursework coordinated by the State;
``(ii) the timeline and plan to provide all 
students in the State who meet the requirements 
for its early high school graduation policy the 
opportunity to receive a scholarship through an 
early high school graduation fast track 
pathway; and
``(iii) annual goals for participation in 
fast track pathways among subgroups of students 
such that, if the goals are met--
``(I) significant progress will be 
made toward improving equity in student 
eligibility and participation in the 
early high school graduation pathway 
across the local educational agencies 
within each State within the eligible 
entity;
``(II) significant progress will be 
made toward improving equity in access 
to advanced coursework and early 
college fast track pathways across the 
local educational agencies within each 
State in the eligible entity; and
``(III) the composition of students 
participating in fast track pathways 
will be demographically similar to each 
State, as a whole, within the eligible 
entity by the end of the grant period.
``(G) A description of how the eligible entity 
consulted with stakeholders in development of its 
application and how the eligible entity will continue 
to engage, collaborate, and solicit feedback with 
stakeholders to improve implementation of the 
application requirements described in this subsection 
and uses of funds described in section 416D, 
including--
``(i) members of the State legislature and 
State board of education (if the State has a 
State board of education);
``(ii) the State higher education governing 
or coordinating entity (if the State has such 
an entity);
``(iii) the State entity that coordinates 
early childhood, elementary, secondary, and 
postsecondary education (if the State has such 
an entity);
``(iv) local educational agencies, 
including those located in rural areas and 
high-need local education agencies;
``(v) representatives of Indian Tribes 
located in the State;
``(vi) charter school leaders (if the State 
has charter schools);
``(vii) civil rights organizations in the 
State;
``(viii) business leaders or their 
representatives in the State;
``(ix) teachers, principals, and other 
school leaders; and
``(x) parents and students.
``(H) Assurances that the eligible entity will--
``(i) allow students who choose to 
participate in an early college fast track 
pathway the opportunity to do so at no cost to 
students and parents, including that such 
students and their parents shall not be 
required to pay the cost of related tuition, 
fees (including examination fees), books, and 
supplies necessary to successfully complete the 
early college fast track pathway;
``(ii) comply with the supplement, not 
supplant and maintenance of effort requirements 
described in sections 416G and 416H; and
``(iii) use not less than half of the grant 
funds for purposes described under subsections 
(a)(2) and (b) of section 416D to support 
subgroups of students, students who would be 
first-generation college students, and, as 
applicable, other historically underrepresented 
students.
``(g) Reporting.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Secretary a report on an annual basis that 
includes, for each State within the eligible entity--
``(1) information on the progress of the eligible entity in 
establishing the policies and completing the required 
activities as specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of 
subsection (f)(2) to align high school education with 
postsecondary education;
``(2) the number and percentage of local educational 
agencies and schools in the State offering an early high school 
graduation fast track pathway and each early college fast track 
pathway consistent with its timelines and plans as specified in 
clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (f)(2)(F), progress against 
the goals established by the eligible entity for 
demographically diverse student participation in fast track 
pathways specified in subsection (f)(2)(F)(iii), and evidence 
demonstrating how the eligible entity certified each such 
pathway meets all requirements of this subpart;
``(3) the number and percentage of students in the State, 
including for each subgroup of students, who--
``(A) are eligible to participate in an early 
college fast track pathway;
``(B) participate in an early college fast track 
pathway; and
``(C) successfully complete an early college fast 
track pathway;
``(4) the number and percentage of students in the State, 
including for each subgroup of students, who--
``(A) are eligible to participate in an early high 
school graduation fast track pathway; and
``(B) participate in an early high school 
graduation fast track pathway;
``(5) the average scholarship award amount for students, 
including for each subgroup of students, in the State who 
participate in an early high school graduation fast track 
pathway; and
``(6) any additional information as the Secretary may 
reasonably require to ensure compliance with the requirements 
of this subpart and to effectively evaluate, monitor, and 
improve grant implementation.

``SEC. 416D. USE OF FUNDS.

``(a) Required Activities.--Each eligible entity that receives a 
grant under section 416C(b) for a fiscal year shall--
``(1) use funds for activities to implement the alignment 
requirements pursuant to section 416C(f)(2)(D) for a period of 
time not to exceed the first 2 fiscal years for which the grant 
is provided; and
``(2) use funds to support statewide implementation of 
early college fast track pathways and early high school 
graduation fast track pathways consistent with the timeline, 
plan, and goals specified in section 416C(f)(2)(F), including--
``(A) expanding advanced coursework to increase the 
availability of early college fast track pathways, 
which may include--
``(i) tuition, fees (including examination 
fees associated with Advanced Placement, 
International Baccalaureate, and similar 
examinations), books, and supplies for eligible 
students;
``(ii) creating or expanding statewide 
systems to provide each of the advanced courses 
in the early college fast track pathways 
online; and
``(iii) establishing or expanding early 
college high schools;
``(B) programs and activities to improve student 
preparation for, and participation in, an early college 
fast track pathway or early high school graduation fast 
track pathway, especially among subgroups of students, 
students who would be first-generation college 
students, and, as applicable, other historically 
underrepresented students, which may include--
``(i) use of data from evidence-based early 
assessment programs or evidence-based early 
warning indicator systems;
``(ii) enhanced advising or counseling 
activities, such as providing course-taking and 
financial aid guidance as early as the middle 
grades; and
``(iii) other evidence-based services as 
described by the eligible entity; and
``(C) outreach and communications with students and 
parents, particularly historically underrepresented 
students, to build awareness of early college fast 
track pathways and early high school graduation fast 
track pathways.
``(b) Additional Activities.--To support effective statewide 
implementation of fast track pathways consistent with the timeline, 
plan, and goals specified in section 416C(f)(2)(F), each eligible 
entity that receives a grant under section 416C(b) for a fiscal year 
may use funds to--
``(1) offer students who graduate high school early 
scholarships and support for matriculating to postsecondary 
education as part of an early high school graduation fast track 
pathway;
``(2) provide training, professional development, or 
recruitment for faculty who teach courses that are included in 
an early college fast track pathway;
``(3) provide students with transportation to and from 
advanced courses in an early college fast track pathway;
``(4) convene secondary and postsecondary education and 
workforce leaders in the State and other stakeholders to 
coordinate and monitor grant implementation; and
``(5) provide incentives for local educational agencies and 
institutions of higher education to encourage student 
participation in early college fast track pathways and early 
high school graduation fast track pathways.

``SEC. 416E. FEDERAL PELL GRANT AWARDS.

``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the requirement under 
subsections (a)(1) and (d) of section 484 that a student not be 
enrolled in an elementary school or secondary school to be eligible to 
receive a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1, for the award years 
beginning on July 1, 2026, the Secretary shall, in each State within an 
eligible entity awarded a grant under this subpart, award high school 
students who meet the eligibility requirements described in section 
416C(f)(2)(E) and participate in an early college fast track pathway, a 
Federal Pell Grant based on the determination of the student aid index 
for such student.
``(b) Two Semester Cap Waiver.--For a period not to exceed 2 
semesters (or the equivalent of 2 semesters for students who are not 
enrolled full time, consistent with regulations promulgated by the 
Secretary described under section 401(d)(5)), Federal Pell Grants 
awarded to eligible students under subsection (a) shall not count 
toward the 12-semester eligibility period for Federal Pell Grants 
described under section 401(d)(5).
``(c) Amount of Pell Grant.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (3) and (5) 
of section 401(b) and section 472, the amount of the Federal Pell Grant 
received under subsection (a) shall not exceed the cost of tuition, 
fees (excluding fees associated with Advanced Placement, International 
Baccalaureate, and similar examinations), books, and supplies.
``(d) Applicability.--The Secretary shall continue awarding Federal 
Pell Grants to students pursuant to this section in a State whose grant 
under this subpart has expired based upon the eligible entity's 
continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart as 
determined by the Secretary.

``SEC. 416F. EVALUATION.

``The Secretary, in partnership with the Director of the Institute 
of Education Sciences, shall contract with a third party to conduct an 
independent evaluation not later than September 30, 2028, and preceded 
by interim reports, of the policies and services provided under this 
subpart, including at a minimum, the impact of such policies and 
services on outcomes for all students and subgroups of students with 
regard to each of the following:
``(1) Enrollment in and completion of advanced coursework 
during high school, including the number of courses students 
take and the number of credits students earn.
``(2) Postsecondary enrollment, remediation, first-year 
credit attainment, and persistence.
``(3) The rate at which credits transfer from advanced 
coursework in high school, including dual or concurrent 
enrollment programs, and public institutions of higher 
education and between such institutions.
``(4) Postsecondary degree attainment, including completion 
of an associate's degree, baccalaureate degree, or recognized 
postsecondary credential, and the time it takes students to 
earn a degree.
``(5) The cost of a postsecondary degree, by degree type, 
for participating students in an early college fast track 
pathway or an early high school graduation fast track pathway.

``SEC. 416G. SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT.

``Funds made available under this subpart shall be used to 
supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds that would otherwise be 
used for activities authorized under this subpart.

``SEC. 416H. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT.

``(a) Maintenance of Effort Required.--A State that receives 
assistance under this subpart shall provide for institutions of higher 
education and local educational agencies in such State for any academic 
year beginning on or after July 1, 2026, an amount that is equal to or 
greater than the average amount provided for advanced coursework by 
such State to such institutions of higher education and local 
educational agencies for advanced coursework during the 2 most recent 
preceding academic years for which satisfactory data are available.
``(b) Adjustments for Biennial Appropriations.--The Secretary shall 
take into consideration any adjustments to the calculations under 
subsection (a) that may be required to accurately reflect funding 
levels in States with biennial appropriation cycles.
``(c) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirements of 
subsection (a) for not more than 2 consecutive years, if the Secretary 
determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or 
uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a 
precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of a 
State or State educational agency, as appropriate.
``(d) Violation of Maintenance of Effort.--Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, the Secretary shall withhold from any State 
that violates subsection (a) and does not receive a waiver pursuant to 
subsection (c) any amount that would otherwise be available to the 
State under this subpart until such State has made significant efforts 
to correct such violation.

``SEC. 416I. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart 
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026 and each of the 4 
succeeding fiscal years.''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made by this 
section, shall take effect on the later of the date of enactment of 
this Act or July 1, 2026.
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