Bipartisan JOBS Act Would Expand Pell Grants to Short-Term Job Training Programs

A bill with bipartisan support is being considered by Congress that would permit Pell Grants to be used to help students pay for short-term job training programs. Inside Higher Education reports that the bill, known as the JOBS Act, "would be a significant reorientation of the Pell program from largely supporting low-income students who are pursuing a college degree to backing job training as well." The bill would also have implications for community colleges and their "ability … to build programs that will lead students to employment quickly, and allow them to return and continue accumulating credits toward a degree," according to Inside Higher Education.