Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act
This bill directs the Department of Labor and the Department of Education (ED) to award career pathway grants and provide assistance for career pathway programs.
Labor must award competitive grants to eligible institutions of higher education and vocational institutions to develop, offer, improve, and provide educational or career pathway programs for workers. Grant funds must be used for specified purposes, including for career pathway programs that provide relevant job training to meet the needs of employers in high-skill, high-wage, or in demand sectors or occupations and that may include registered apprenticeship programs.
The bill requires ED to carry out a program to award START federal Pell Grants to students in short-term programs that prepare participants for employment opportunities in high-skill, high-wage, or in demand sectors or occupations in a geographic area in which the programs are offered.
The bill also directs ED to (1) award grants to states to establish statewide career pathways coalitions, (2) establish a career pathways innovation grant program to support career pathways in high school and career exploration in the middle grades, and (3) provide technical assistance.
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to award 
competitive grants for the purpose of developing, offering, improving, 
 and providing educational or career pathway programs for workers, to 
 direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program that awards 
    grants to State coalitions that build or expand career pathways 
 programs in schools within the State, and to establish a program that 
    awards grants to eligible agencies to carry out career pathways 
                   programs, and for other purposes.

    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 ``Connecting Students to Great Jobs 
Act''.

   TITLE I--SHORT-TERM ACCELERATED RESKILLING TRACKS CAREER PATHWAYS

SEC. 101. START PATHWAYS TO CAREERS FUND.

    Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
3111 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

              ``Subtitle F--START Pathways to Careers Fund

``SEC. 199. START PATHWAYS TO CAREERS PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Grants Authorized.--Not later than the end of the first full 
fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Connecting Students to 
Great Jobs Act, from funds appropriated under section 200(a)(1), the 
Secretary of Labor (in coordination with the Secretary of Education) 
shall award competitive grants to eligible entities described in 
subsection (c) for the purpose of developing, offering, improving, and 
providing educational or career pathway programs for workers.
    ``(b) Duration.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Secretaries may award a grant to an 
        eligible entity for not more than a 6-year period.
            ``(2) Continuation of grants.--At the end of the initial 3-
        year grant period for a grant awarded to an eligible entity 
        under this section, the Secretary shall evaluate, using the 
        performance indicators under subsection (h), each program for 
        which the eligible entity was awarded such grant to determine 
        if eligible entity is eligible to receive such grant for an 
        additional 3-year grant period.
    ``(c) Eligible Entity.--
            ``(1) Partnerships with employers or an employer or 
        industry partnership.--
                    ``(A) General definition.--For purposes of this 
                section, an `eligible entity' means any of the entities 
                described in subparagraph (B) (or a consortium of any 
                of such entities) in partnership with local employers 
                or a local employer or local industry partnership 
                representing multiple employers.
                    ``(B) Description of entities.--The entities 
                described in this subparagraph are--
                            ``(i) a junior college or a community 
                        college (as defined under section 316 of the 
                        Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c) 
                        to mean public 2-year State institutions of 
                        higher education at which the highest degree 
                        that is predominantly awarded to students is an 
                        associate's degree, including 2-year tribally 
                        controlled colleges);
                            ``(ii) a 4-year public institution of 
                        higher education (as defined in section 101(a) 
                        of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                        1001(a))) that offers 2-year degrees, and that 
                        will use funds provided under this section for 
                        activities at the certificate and associate 
                        degree levels; or
                            ``(iii) a postsecondary vocational 
                        institution, as defined in section 102(c) of 
                        the Higher Education Act of 1965.
            ``(2) Additional partners.--
                    ``(A) Authorization of additional partners.--In 
                addition to partnering with local employers or a local 
                employer or local industry partnership representing 
                multiple employers as described in paragraph (1)(A), an 
                entity described in paragraph (1) may include in the 
                partnership described in paragraph (1) one or more of 
                the organizations described in subparagraph (B). Each 
                eligible entity that includes one or more such 
                organizations shall collaborate with the State or local 
                board in the area served by the eligible entity.
                    ``(B) Organizations.--The organizations described 
                in this subparagraph are as follows:
                            ``(i) A provider of adult education (as 
                        defined in section 203) or an institution of 
                        higher education (as defined in section 101 of 
                        the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                        1001)).
                            ``(ii) A community-based organization.
                            ``(iii) A joint labor-management 
                        partnership.
                            ``(iv) A State board that oversees higher 
                        education.
                            ``(v) A State educational agency (as 
                        defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                        7801)).
                            ``(vi) An elementary school or secondary 
                        school (as such terms are defined in section 
                        8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education 
                        Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
                            ``(vii) A local educational agency (as 
                        defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                        7801)).
                            ``(viii) A State-based education focused 
                        nonprofit.
                            ``(ix) An educational service agency (as 
                        defined in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                        7801)).
                            ``(x) Any other not-for-profit or 
                        community-based organization, with a proven 
                        record on job training (as determined by the 
                        Secretaries), that the Secretaries consider 
                        appropriate.
    ``(d) Educational or Career Pathway Program.--For purposes of this 
section, the Governor of the State in which at least one of the 
entities described in subsection (c) of an eligible entity is located 
shall establish criteria for an educational or career training pathway 
program leading to a recognized postsecondary credential for which an 
eligible entity submits a grant proposal under subsection (e).
    ``(e) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under this 
section shall submit an application containing a grant proposal, for an 
educational or career pathway program leading to a recognized 
postsecondary credential, to the Secretaries at such time and 
containing such information as the Secretaries determine is required.
    ``(f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretaries shall give priority to eligible entities that--
            ``(1) include a partnership, with local employers or a 
        local employer or local industry partnership, that--
                    ``(A) pays a portion of the costs of educational or 
                career pathway programs; or
                    ``(B) creates a career pathway by supporting 
                employers who hire individuals who have attained a 
                recognized postsecondary credential resulting from the 
                educational or career training pathway program of the 
                eligible entity;
            ``(2) enter into a partnership with a labor organization or 
        labor-management training program to provide, through the 
        program, technical expertise for occupationally specific 
        education necessary for a recognized postsecondary credential 
        leading to an occupation in a local high-skill, high-wage, or 
        in-demand industry sector or occupation;
            ``(3) are focused on serving individuals with barriers to 
        employment, students who are veterans including, active duty 
        servicemembers who are otherwise eligible for educational 
        assistance under chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, 
        spouses of members of the Armed Forces, children of members of 
        the Armed Forces, and incumbent workers who are low-skilled and 
        who need to increase their work-related skills;
            ``(4) include any eligible entities serving areas with high 
        unemployment rates; and
            ``(5) are eligible entities that include an institution of 
        higher education eligible for assistance under title III or V 
        of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1051 et seq.; 20 
        U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
    ``(g) Use of Funds.--Grant funds awarded under this section shall 
be used for one or more of the following:
            ``(1) The development, offering, improvement, and provision 
        of educational or career pathway programs, that provide 
        relevant job training for skilled occupations, that lead to 
        recognized postsecondary credentials, that will meet the needs 
        of employers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or 
        occupations (such as nursing, health care, agriculture, 
        horticulture, food, natural resources, fire science, building 
        trades, labor, computer science, and information technology) 
        and that may include registered apprenticeship programs, on-
        the-job training programs, and programs that support employers 
        in upgrading the skills of their workforce.
            ``(2) The development and implementation of policies and 
        programs to expand opportunities for students to earn a 
        recognized postsecondary credential, including a degree, in 
        high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or 
        occupations, including by--
                    ``(A) facilitating the transfer of academic credits 
                between institutions of higher education, including the 
                transfer of academic credits for courses in the same 
                field of study;
                    ``(B) expanding articulation agreements and 
                policies that guarantee transfers between such 
                institutions, including through common course numbering 
                and use of a general core curriculum;
                    ``(C) developing or enhancing student support 
                services; and
                    ``(D) establishing policies and processes for 
                assessing and awarding course credit for work-related 
                learning.
            ``(3) The creation of career pathway programs that provide 
        a sequence of education and occupational training that leads to 
        a recognized postsecondary credential, including a degree, 
        including programs that--
                    ``(A) blend basic skills and occupational training;
                    ``(B) facilitate means of transitioning 
                participants from non-credit occupational, basic 
                skills, or developmental coursework to for-credit 
                coursework within and across institutions;
                    ``(C) build or enhance linkages, including the 
                development of dual enrollment programs and early 
                college high schools, between secondary education or 
                adult education programs (including programs 
                established under the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et 
                seq.) and title II of this Act);
                    ``(D) are innovative programs designed to increase 
                the provision of training for students, including 
                students who are members of the National Guard or 
                Reserves, to enter high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand 
                industry sectors or occupations;
                    ``(E) support paid internships that will allow 
                students to simultaneously earn credit for work-based 
                learning and gain relevant employment experience in a 
                high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sector or 
                occupation, which shall include opportunities that 
                transition individuals into employment; and
                    ``(F) develop competency-based education programs 
                that offer an outcome-oriented approach through which 
                recognized postsecondary credentials are awarded based 
                on successful demonstration of skills and proficiency.
            ``(4) A Pay-for-Success program that leads to a recognized 
        postsecondary credential, for which an eligible entity--
                    ``(A) enters into a partnership with an investor, 
                such as a philanthropic organization that provides 
                funding for a specific project to address a clear and 
                measurable educational or career training need in the 
                area to be served under the grant; and
                    ``(B) agrees to be reimbursed under the grant only 
                if the project achieves specified performance outcomes 
                and criteria agreed to by the Secretary.

``SEC. 200. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

    ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
        such sums as may be necessary to carry out the program 
        established by section 199. Funds appropriated under this 
        subsection shall remain available until the end of the 5th full 
        fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Connecting 
        Students to Great Jobs Act.
            ``(2) Administrative cost.--Not more than 5 percent of the 
        amounts made available under paragraph (1) may be used by the 
        Secretaries for Federal administration of the program described 
        in that subsection, including providing technical assistance 
        and carrying out evaluations for the program described in that 
        subsection.
            ``(3) Period of availability.--The funds appropriated 
        pursuant to paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be available 
        for Federal obligation for that fiscal year and the succeeding 
        4 fiscal years.
    ``(b) Secretaries Defined.--In this subtitle, the term 
`Secretaries' means the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of 
Education.''.

SEC. 102. START (SHORT-TERM ACCELERATED RESKILLING TRACKS) PATHWAYS TO 
              CAREERS FEDERAL PELL GRANTS.

    (a) Amendments for Award Years Beginning on or After October 1, 
2021, and Ending Not Later Than June 30, 2023.--Section 401 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(k) START Federal Pell Grant Applications.--
            ``(1) In general.-- For the award years beginning on or 
        after October 1, 2021, and ending not later than June 30, 2023, 
        the Secretary shall carry out a program through which the 
        Secretary shall award START Federal Pell Grants to students in 
        eligible short-term programs.
            ``(2) Terms and conditions.--Each START Federal Pell Grant 
        awarded under this subsection shall have the same terms and 
        conditions, and be awarded in the same manner, as a Federal 
        Pell Grant awarded under subsection (a), except as follows:
                    ``(A) Student eligibility.--A student who is 
                eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this 
                subsection is a student who--
                            ``(i) has not yet attained a baccalaureate 
                        degree or postbaccalaureate degree; and
                            ``(ii) is enrolled, or accepted for 
                        enrollment, in an eligible short-term program 
                        at an institution of higher education.
                    ``(B) Grant amount.--The amount of a START Federal 
                Pell Grant awarded under this subsection for an 
                eligible student shall be determined under subsection 
                (b)(2)(A), except that--
                            ``(i) subsection (b)(4) shall be applied by 
                        substituting `5 percent' for `ten percent'; and
                            ``(ii) no increase shall be calculated 
                        under subsection (b)(7)(B) for such student.
                    ``(C) Inclusion in duration limits.--Any period 
                during which a student receives a START Federal Pell 
                Grant under this subsection shall be included in 
                calculating the student's period of eligibility for 
                Federal Pell Grants under subsection (c), and any 
                regulations under such subsection regarding students 
                who are enrolled in an undergraduate program on less 
                than a full-time basis shall similarly apply to 
                students who are enrolled in an eligible short-term 
                program at an eligible institution on less than a full-
                time basis.
                    ``(D) Effect on discontinued participation.--An 
                eligible student who receives a START Federal Pell 
                Grant under this subsection shall receive such grant 
                during the period in which the student is enrolled in a 
                short-term program for which the student receives such 
                grant and is making satisfactory academic progress, 
                without regard to whether the short-term program ceases 
                to be eligible for participation in the START Federal 
                Pell Grant program under this subsection.
            ``(3) Eligible short-term program requirements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To be an eligible short-term 
                program for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary 
                shall determine that a short-term program meets the 
                following:
                            ``(i) The short-term program is made 
                        available to workers in the geographic area in 
                        which the program is offered.
                            ``(ii) The short-term program prepares 
                        participants for employment opportunities in 
                        high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or 
                        occupations in such geographic area.
                            ``(iii) The short-term program meets any 
                        other requirements that the Secretary 
                        determines appropriate.
                    ``(B) Termination of eligible short-term program 
                status.--A short-term program may cease to be an 
                eligible short-term program for purposes of this 
                subsection if not less than 2 annual evaluations under 
                paragraph (4) for such program demonstrate that the 
                program does not meet the performance outcomes 
                established by the Secretary on the metrics described 
                in paragraph (4)(B)(ii).
            ``(4) Evaluations and reports.--
                    ``(A) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date that the first Federal Pell Grant is awarded under 
                this subsection, and on an annual basis thereafter, the 
                Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the 
                Institute of Education Sciences, shall evaluate each 
                short-term program participating under this subsection 
                in accordance with subparagraph (B), and report the 
                results of such evaluation to the authorizing 
                committees.
                    ``(B) Evaluation of programs.--An evaluation of a 
                short-term program under subparagraph (A) shall--
                            ``(i) evaluate the extent to which such 
                        short-term program meets the requirements under 
                        paragraph (3); and
                            ``(ii) include both qualitative and 
                        quantitative evidence of--
                                    ``(I) the program's alignment with 
                                workforce needs, including placement 
                                and retention in jobs related to the 
                                training provided by the program;
                                    ``(II) the effect, if any, this 
                                program has on matriculation of 
                                students attending 4-year institutions;
                                    ``(III) the extent to which 
                                students have sought a higher 
                                credential or degree or military 
                                service;
                                    ``(IV) employment rates after 
                                program completion;
                                    ``(V) earnings (either average 
                                earnings of completers or the share of 
                                completers earning more than the 
                                average high school graduate);
                                    ``(VI) program completion rates; 
                                and
                                    ``(VII) rates of continued 
                                education of those who have completed 
                                the program.
            ``(5) Sunset.--The Secretary shall not have the authority 
        to award Federal Pell Grants under this subsection after the 
        date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of the 
        Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act.
            ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) 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 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
                    ``(B) High-skill; high-wage.--The terms `high-
                skill' and `high-wage' are used as such terms are used 
                in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
                Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
                    ``(C) Job training program.--The term `job training 
                program' means a career and technical education program 
                at an institution of higher education that--
                            ``(i) provides not less than 150 clock 
                        hours of instructional time over a period of 
                        not less than 8 weeks;
                            ``(ii) provides training in partnership 
                        with the requirements of employers in the State 
                        or local area, which may include high-skill, 
                        high-wage, or in-demand sectors or occupations 
                        in the State or local area;
                            ``(iii) provides a student, upon completion 
                        of the program, with a recognized postsecondary 
                        credential, that is widely recognized by local 
                        employers in the relevant industry, including 
                        credentials recognized by industry or sector 
                        partnerships in the State or local area where 
                        the industry is located;
                            ``(iv) utilizes work-based and worksite 
                        learning experiences, where appropriate and 
                        available, that--
                                    ``(I) are related to the employment 
                                for which the program provides training 
                                (such as employment in a sector or 
                                occupation described in clause (ii)); 
                                and
                                    ``(II) are supervised by an 
                                individual with expertise in the field; 
                                and
                            ``(v) has been determined by the 
                        institution of higher education (after 
                        validation of that determination by an industry 
                        or sector partnership) to provide academic 
                        content, an amount of instructional time, and a 
                        recognized postsecondary credential that--
                                    ``(I) meet the hiring requirements 
                                of potential local employers;
                                    ``(II) allow the students to apply 
                                for any licenses or certifications that 
                                may be required to be employed in the 
                                local field for which the job training 
                                is offered;
                                    ``(III) may include integrated or 
                                basic skills courses; and
                                    ``(IV) may be offered as part of an 
                                eligible local eligible career pathways 
                                program.
                    ``(D) Short-term program.--The term `short-term 
                program' means--
                            ``(i) a career and technical education 
                        program that provides more than 320 clock hours 
                        and less than 600 clock hours of instruction;
                            ``(ii) an educational or career pathway 
                        program that is part of a career pathway; or
                            ``(iii) a job-training program.
                    ``(E) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-
                demand industry sector or occupation', and `recognized 
                postsecondary credential' have the meanings given the 
                terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and 
                Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.
    (b) Award Years Beginning on or After July 1, 2023.--Section 401 of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a-1), as amended by 
section 703 of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF 
of Public Law 116-260), is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(k) START Federal Pell Grant Applications.--
            ``(1) In general.--For the award years beginning on or 
        after July 1, 2023, the Secretary shall carry out a program 
        through which the Secretary shall award START Federal Pell 
        Grants to students in eligible short-term programs.
            ``(2) Terms and conditions.--Each START Federal Pell Grant 
        awarded under this subsection shall have the same terms and 
        conditions, and be awarded in the same manner, as a Federal 
        Pell Grant awarded under subsection (a), except as follows:
                    ``(A) Student eligibility.--A student who is 
                eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant under this 
                subsection is a student who--
                            ``(i) has not yet attained a baccalaureate 
                        degree or postbaccalaureate degree; and
                            ``(ii) is enrolled, or accepted for 
                        enrollment, in an eligible short-term program 
                        at an institution of higher education.
                    ``(B) Grant amount.--The amount of a START Federal 
                Pell Grant awarded under this subsection for an 
                eligible student shall be determined under subsection 
                (b)(1), except that--
                            ``(i) subsection (a)(2)(F) shall be applied 
                        by substituting `5 percent' for `ten percent'; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) (b)(5)(A)(i) shall not apply in 
                        calculating the total maximum Federal Pell 
                        Grant award for such student.
                    ``(C) Inclusion in duration limits.--Any period 
                during which a student receives a START Federal Pell 
                Grant under this subsection shall be included in 
                calculating the student's period of eligibility for 
                Federal Pell Grants under subsection (c), and any 
                regulations under such subsection regarding students 
                who are enrolled in an undergraduate program on less 
                than a full-time basis shall similarly apply to 
                students who are enrolled in an eligible short-term 
                program at an eligible institution on less than a full-
                time basis.
                    ``(D) Effect on discontinued participation.--An 
                eligible student who receives a START Federal Pell 
                Grant under this subsection shall receive such grant 
                during the period in which the student is enrolled in a 
                short-term program for which the student receives such 
                grant and is making satisfactory academic progress, 
                without regard to whether the short-term program ceases 
                to be eligible for participation in the START Federal 
                Pell Grant program under this subsection.
            ``(3) Eligible short-term program requirements.--
                    ``(A) In general.--To be an eligible short-term 
                program for purposes of this subsection, the Secretary 
                shall determine that a short-term program meets the 
                following:
                            ``(i) The short-term program is made 
                        available to workers in the geographic area in 
                        which the program is offered.
                            ``(ii) The short-term program prepares 
                        participants for employment opportunities in 
                        high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors or 
                        occupations in such geographic area.
                            ``(iii) The short-term program meets any 
                        other requirements that the Secretary 
                        determines appropriate.
                    ``(B) Termination of eligible short-term program 
                status.--A short-term program may cease to be an 
                eligible short-term program for purposes of this 
                subsection if not less than 2 annual evaluations under 
                paragraph (4) for such program demonstrate that the 
                program does not meet the performance outcomes 
                established by the Secretary on the metrics described 
                in paragraph (4)(B)(ii).
            ``(4) Evaluations and reports.--
                    ``(A) Reports.--Not later than 3 years after the 
                date that the first Federal Pell Grant is awarded under 
                this subsection, and on an annual basis thereafter, the 
                Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the 
                Institute of Education Sciences, shall evaluate each 
                short-term program participating under this subsection 
                in accordance with subparagraph (B), and report the 
                results of such evaluation to the authorizing 
                committees.
                    ``(B) Evaluation of programs.--An evaluation of a 
                short-term program under subparagraph (A) shall--
                            ``(i) evaluate the extent to which such 
                        short-term program meets the requirements under 
                        paragraph (3); and
                            ``(ii) include both qualitative and 
                        quantitative evidence of--
                                    ``(I) the program's alignment with 
                                workforce needs, including placement 
                                and retention in jobs related to the 
                                training provided by the program;
                                    ``(II) the effect, if any, this 
                                program has on matriculation of 
                                students attending 4-year institutions;
                                    ``(III) the extent to which 
                                students have sought a higher 
                                credential or degree or military 
                                service;
                                    ``(IV) employment rates after 
                                program completion;
                                    ``(V) earnings (either average 
                                earnings of completers or the share of 
                                completers earning more than the 
                                average high school graduate);
                                    ``(VI) program completion rates; 
                                and
                                    ``(VII) rates of continued 
                                education of those who have completed 
                                the program.
            ``(5) Sunset.--The Secretary shall not have the authority 
        to award Federal Pell Grants under this subsection after the 
        date that is 7 years after the date of enactment of the 
        Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act.
            ``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                    ``(A) 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 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
                    ``(B) High-skill; high-wage.--The terms `high-
                skill' and `high-wage' are used as such terms are used 
                in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
                Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
                    ``(C) Job training program.--The term `job training 
                program' means a career and technical education program 
                at an institution of higher education that--
                            ``(i) provides not less than 150 clock 
                        hours of instructional time over a period of 
                        not less than 8 weeks;
                            ``(ii) provides training in partnership 
                        with the requirements of employers in the State 
                        or local area, which may include high-skill, 
                        high-wage, or in-demand sectors or occupations 
                        in the State or local area;
                            ``(iii) provides a student, upon completion 
                        of the program, with a recognized postsecondary 
                        credential, that is widely recognized by local 
                        employers in the relevant industry, including 
                        credentials recognized by industry or sector 
                        partnerships in the State or local area where 
                        the industry is located;
                            ``(iv) utilizes work-based and worksite 
                        learning experiences, where appropriate and 
                        available, that--
                                    ``(I) are related to the employment 
                                for which the program provides training 
                                (such as employment in a sector or 
                                occupation described in clause (ii)); 
                                and
                                    ``(II) are supervised by an 
                                individual with expertise in the field; 
                                and
                            ``(v) has been determined by the 
                        institution of higher education (after 
                        validation of that determination by an industry 
                        or sector partnership) to provide academic 
                        content, an amount of instructional time, and a 
                        recognized postsecondary credential that--
                                    ``(I) meet the hiring requirements 
                                of potential local employers;
                                    ``(II) allow the students to apply 
                                for any licenses or certifications that 
                                may be required to be employed in the 
                                local field for which the job training 
                                is offered;
                                    ``(III) may include integrated or 
                                basic skills courses; and
                                    ``(IV) may be offered as part of an 
                                eligible local eligible career pathways 
                                program.
                    ``(D) Short-term program.--The term `short-term 
                program' means--
                            ``(i) a career and technical education 
                        program that provides more than 320 clock hours 
                        and less than 600 clock hours of instruction;
                            ``(ii) an educational or career pathway 
                        program that is part of a career pathway; or
                            ``(iii) a job-training program.
                    ``(E) WIOA terms.--The terms `career pathway', `in-
                demand industry sector or occupation', and `recognized 
                postsecondary credential' have the meanings given the 
                terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and 
                Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).''.

                  TITLE II--SCHOOL TO CAREER PATHWAYS

SEC. 201. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) In every congressional district, career and technical 
        education programs and career-connected pathways programs play 
        a vital role in ensuring workers remain competitive in high-
        wage, high-skill, and in-demand career fields, including 
        computer science, robotics, information technology, health 
        care, and the skilled trades, all of which have hundreds of 
        thousands of job openings across the United States.
            (2) Every student should have access to career and 
        technical education opportunities to learn how their academic 
        background will prepare them for postsecondary education and a 
        career.
            (3) Curriculum and course offerings should not be based on 
        the assumption that every student has the same academic needs, 
        interests, and goals. Instead, schools should prepare students 
        for their individualized career goals by providing 
        opportunities for students to discover and delve into their 
        interests. These opportunities may include career and technical 
        education, personalized learning, apprenticeships, early 
        college and dual enrollment, and language immersion programs.
            (4) Specifically, career and technical education and dual 
        enrollment programs integrate classroom learning with 
        technical, job-specific skills to prepare students for high-
        skill careers in industries such as information technology, 
        manufacturing, health science, nursing, medical professions, 
        construction, engineering, and more. Under the Carl D. Perkins 
        Vocational and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2301 et 
        seq.), States receive funding to integrate career pathway 
        programs with academic learning for students who choose to 
        enroll in career and technical education programs.
            (5) Career and technical education programs currently serve 
        12,500,000 high school and college students and boast a high 
        school graduation rate of about 90 percent, which is 15 percent 
        higher than the national average.
            (6) Career-connected learning programs, which integrate 
        college preparatory academics, technical training, work-based 
        learning, and support, have had positive outcomes for students.
            (7) According to the Association for Career and Technical 
        Education, 6 out of 10 students plan to pursue a career related 
        to the career-connected learning programs they are exploring in 
        high school.
            (8) Many skills-based industries have chronically struggled 
        to fill open positions, as they face an increasing number of 
        retiring baby boomers as well as a lack of qualified candidates 
        with technical skills. For instance, of the 3,400,000 
        manufacturing jobs expected to open over the next decade, 
        2,000,000 are projected to go unfilled, accounting for 
        approximately 9 percent, or $2,400,000,000, in forgone yearly 
        revenue.
            (9) While career and technical education models have been 
        piloted across the United States, grant programs need to be 
        expanded to not only encourage additional school districts to 
        offer students opportunities for career-connected learning, 
        including apprenticeships, and project-based learning pathways 
        but also to combat this severe skills-gap and remediate this 
        economic pitfall.
            (10) Career and technical education programs should 
        incentivize school districts to offer summer internships or 
        course credit through opportunities created by business and 
        community partnerships.

SEC. 202. STATE SKILLS EDUCATION COALITIONS.

    (a) In General.--Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall award 
grants to States to establish a statewide career pathways coalition (in 
this section referred to as a ``coalition'').
    (b) Eligible Entities.--Any State agency responsible for carrying 
out educational programs in a State shall be eligible for a grant 
awarded under subsection (a).
    (c) Use of Funds.--Funds made available under such a grant shall be 
used for--
            (1) convening employers to discuss local workforce needs 
        and trends;
            (2) reaching out to local and regional public or private 
        partners and conducting research into local workforce needs and 
        trends;
            (3) promoting skill standards and career paths that match 
        local employers' needs;
            (4) helping to improve and govern the workforce development 
        system;
            (5) bringing together businesses, faith-based and community 
        organizations, educational institutions, labor unions, social 
        service agencies, and other providers to implement programs and 
        policies to improve labor market outcomes;
            (6) increasing economic mobility for workers; and
            (7) increasing awareness of programs and related economic 
        opportunities.
    (d) Conditions.--As a condition for receipt of funds under such a 
grant, a State agency shall require a coalition to do the following:
            (1) Develop State plans for how to expand on existing 
        evidence-based programs that are effectively providing 
        nontraditional paths to students and recommendations on new 
        programs that would provide both academic and real-world work 
        experience (such as student apprenticeships, dual programs, 
        career-connected or integrated programs that provide concurrent 
        credit).
            (2) Establish a statewide career-connected learning system.
            (3) Promote diversity among apprentices by promoting 
        outreach to underrepresented populations such as women and 
        minorities, youth, individuals with disabilities (as defined in 
        section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 
        U.S.C. 12102)), and veterans.
            (4) Provide the Governor of the State and Secretary a list 
        of findings and recommendations of the coalition regarding the 
        elements of a successful statewide career-connected learning 
        system.
            (5) Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
        enactment of this Act, create a detailed and specific 4-year 
        action plan for how the State school system can implement a 
        statewide career-connected learning system, with a timeline for 
        the implementation, and projected funding requirements of such 
        system.
            (6) Not later than 2 years after the provision of such 
        plan, the coalition shall report on the implementation and 
        success of its plan, including best practices, and 
        recommendations for improvement.
    (e) Membership.--
            (1) Number and appointment.--Each coalition established 
        through funds received under such a grant shall be comprised 
        of--
                    (A) at least one individual recommended by the 
                State's Public University Board or its equivalent 
                representatives (as determined by the Governor); and
                    (B) a minimum of 9 individuals who have public and 
                private career or technical education experience, 
                including course instruction, selected by the chief 
                State school officer with approval from the State Board 
                of Education or its equivalent and State Public 
                University Board or its equivalent.
            (2) Composition.--The coalition shall be representative of 
        the State's geographical diversity. All geographical regions 
        (as determined by the chief State school officer) must be 
        represented by a minimum of one education stakeholder and one 
        public or private industry stakeholder. A regional 
        representative may be determined by residence or location of 
        primary employment.
    (f) Termination.--Federal funds received under such a grant shall 
terminate on the day after 6 years from the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 203. SECONDARY SCHOOL TO CAREER PATHWAYS INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    (a) Career Pathways Innovation Grant Program Established.--
            (1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out 
        this section, the Secretary, after consultation with the 
        Secretary of Labor, shall establish a career pathways 
        innovation grant program, through which the Secretary shall 
        award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible agencies for 
        the purpose of addressing the specialized skill needs of 
        business and industry by carrying out programs of study and 
        career pathways programs through school partnerships that 
        support career pathways in high school and career exploration 
        in the middle grades.
            (2) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section--
                    (A) shall be for a period of 3 years; and
                    (B) may be renewed for one additional 2-year 
                period, if the eligible agency demonstrates sufficient 
                progress in achieving the goals of the initial grant.
    (b) Application.--
            (1) In general.--An eligible agency desiring a grant under 
        this section shall submit to the Secretary an application at 
        such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
        the Secretary may require, and in accordance with requirements 
        under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 
        2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.).
            (2) Contents; partnership agreement.--The application 
        submitted under paragraph (1) shall include--
                    (A) an initial partnership agreement, entered into 
                by the eligible agency and all members of the school 
                partnership, that--
                            (i) specifies the duties and 
                        responsibilities of each partner;
                            (ii) describes the commitment of resources 
                        or materials to be provided by each partner 
                        toward the school partnership, ensuring that 
                        the business or industry partners in the school 
                        partnership provide an amount of resources, in 
                        cash or in-kind, toward the activities 
                        supported under the grant that equals or 
                        exceeds the amount contributed by the eligible 
                        agency and the amount to be provided by the 
                        grant under this section; and
                            (iii) describes how the overall goals of 
                        the school partnership align with any statewide 
                        or regional workforce development strategies in 
                        existence at the time of the application, 
                        including those established under the Workforce 
                        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 
                        et seq.) or the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                        Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 
                        et seq.);
                    (B) a description of how the eligible agency and 
                members of the school partnership will collaborate to 
                ensure the quality of the career pathways program 
                offered under the grant, including any program that 
                leads to an industry-recognized credential or 
                recognized postsecondary credential earned as part of a 
                career pathway;
                    (C) identification of the goals and measures used 
                to define progress toward student outcomes; and
                    (D) a strategic plan describing the role and 
                activities of the eligible agency and all members of 
                the school partnership in supporting how the program 
                will be sustained following the end of the grant.
    (c) Award Basis.--In awarding grants under this section, the 
Secretary shall--
            (1) ensure that, to the extent practicable based on the 
        applications received under subsection (b)--
                    (A) not less than 15 percent of the grant funds 
                available to carry out this section are awarded to 
                rural eligible agencies; and
                    (B) not less than 5 percent of the grant funds 
                available to carry out this section are awarded to 
                eligible agencies that serve a substantial percentage 
                of Indian or Native Hawaiian children; and
            (2) except to the extent necessary to comply with paragraph 
        (1), give priority to--
                    (A) any eligible agency whose school partnership 
                includes an institution of higher education offering 
                postsecondary credits, or an entity offering a 
                registered apprenticeship program that is articulated 
                through secondary school programming counting towards 
                the registered apprenticeship requirements, through the 
                career pathways program under the grant; and
                    (B) any eligible agency whose career pathways 
                program--
                            (i) in a high school, offers concurrent 
                        enrollment opportunities for postsecondary 
                        credit; or
                            (ii) leads to an industry-recognized 
                        credential.
    (d) Use of Funds.--
            (1) Required use of funds.--An eligible agency receiving 
        grant funds under this section shall use grant funds to build 
        or expand a career pathways program featuring school 
        partnerships that supports career pathways in high school and 
        career exploration in the middle grades.
            (2) Permissive use of funds.--An eligible agency receiving 
        grant funds under this section may use grant funds either 
        during or outside of the school day or school year--
                    (A) to hire a designated career pathways 
                partnership coordinator to seek out and build 
                relationships with business or industry partners to 
                foster and manage the school partnerships supported 
                under the grant;
                    (B) for the costs of new equipment, infrastructure 
                (such as facilities, technology, and staffing), or 
                transportation related to the career pathways program;
                    (C) to recruit, or assist with State licensure and 
                credential requirements, career and technical education 
                teachers, and others implementing career pathways 
                programs;
                    (D) to train or support the professional 
                development of career and technical education teachers 
                and others implementing career pathways programs, 
                including providing externship opportunities for 
                educators to spend time in industry;
                    (E) for youth apprenticeship, internship, or 
                experiential learning opportunities;
                    (F) to provide, as part of the career pathways 
                program, coursework that awards postsecondary credit at 
                no cost to high school students; and
                    (G) to support development of curricula that offer 
                industry-certified credentials.
    (e) Requirements.--
            (1) Matching funds.--An eligible agency that receives a 
        grant under this section shall provide, toward the cost of the 
        activities assisted under the grant and from non-Federal 
        sources, an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the 
        grant. Such matching amount may be in cash or in-kind and shall 
        include support from business or industry partners of a school 
        partnership in accordance with the partnership agreement 
        described in subsection (b)(2).
            (2) Participation of business or industry partner.--In any 
        case where a business or industry partner included in an 
        initial partnership agreement described in subsection (b)(2)(A) 
        withdraws from a school partnership supported under a grant 
        under this section, the eligible agency shall notify the 
        Secretary immediately of the withdrawal and of the eligible 
        agency's plan for obtaining a comparable business or industry 
        partner.
    (f) Reports.--
            (1) Eligible agency reports.--
                    (A) Interim reports.--Not later than 18 months 
                after receiving a grant under this section, the 
                eligible agency shall submit a report to the Secretary 
                demonstrating that the eligible agency is achieving 
                sufficient progress toward the goals of the grant, and 
                ensure that data collection aligns with the 
                requirements under the Carl D. Perkins Career and 
                Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et 
                seq.), and demonstrates how the program advances 
                Perkins Career and Technical Education Act indicators.
                    (B) Final reports.--Each eligible agency receiving 
                a grant under this section shall prepare and submit to 
                the Secretary a final report regarding the use of funds 
                from the grant, including the outcomes of the 
                activities assisted under the grant, not later than 90 
                days after the end of the grant period.
            (2) Secretary reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and 
        submit to the House Education and Labor Committee and the 
        Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on an 
        annual basis, a report regarding the grant program under this 
        section that includes a summary of the reports received under 
        paragraph (1) during the preceding year and the outcomes 
        resulting from the use of grant funds.

SEC. 204. CAREER PATHWAYS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant 
Secretary of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, shall--
            (1) administer and manage the career pathways innovation 
        grants awarded under section 203;
            (2) provide technical assistance to eligible agencies 
        preparing grant applications under section 203(b); and
            (3) support career pathways partnership coordinators, or 
        other personnel of eligible agencies that have received a grant 
        under section 202, in order to ensure that--
                    (A) the eligible agency participates in the 
                required school partnership; and
                    (B) the grant results in positive program outcomes.
    (b) Designated Personnel for Rural and Native-Serving 
Applications.--The Secretary shall designate not less than 1 employee 
of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education who will 
exclusively support rural and native-serving eligible agencies with the 
preparation of grant applications under section 203(b) and the 
development of school partnerships necessary to apply for and implement 
a grant under section 203.

SEC. 205. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Business or industry partner.--The term ``business or 
        industry partner'' means--
                    (A) a local public or private business;
                    (B) a local public or private industry;
                    (C) a sector partnership (which has the meaning 
                given the term ``industry or sector partnership'' in 
                section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
                Act (29 U.S.C. 3102));
                    (D) a community partner; or
                    (E) an intermediary organization.
            (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 (20 
        U.S.C. 2302), including:
                    (A) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based 
                learning'' means sustained interactions with industry 
                or community professionals in real workplace settings, 
                to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at 
                an educational institution that foster in-depth, 
                firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given 
                career field, that are aligned to curriculum and 
                instruction.
                    (B) Program of study.--The term ``program of 
                study'' means a coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of 
                academic and technical content at the secondary and 
                postsecondary level that--
                            (i) incorporates challenging State academic 
                        standards, including those adopted by a State 
                        under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and 
                        Secondary Education Act of 1965;
                            (ii) addresses both academic and technical 
                        knowledge and skills, including employability 
                        skills;
                            (iii) is aligned with the needs of 
                        industries in the economy of the State, region, 
                        Tribal community, or local area;
                            (iv) progresses in specificity (beginning 
                        with all aspects of an industry or career 
                        cluster and leading to more occupation-specific 
                        instruction);
                            (v) has multiple entry and exit points that 
                        incorporate credentialing; and
                            (vi) culminates in the attainment of a 
                        recognized postsecondary credential.
            (3) Career-connected learning.--The term ``career-connected 
        learning'' means programs that integrate college preparatory 
        academics, technical training, work-based learning, and 
        support.
            (4) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' means a 
        combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, 
        and other services that--
                    (A) aligns with the skill needs of industries in 
                the economy of the State or regional economy involved;
                    (B) prepares an individual to be successful in any 
                of a full range of secondary or postsecondary education 
                options, including apprenticeships registered under the 
                Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the 
                ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 
                663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) (referred to individually in 
                this Act as an ``apprenticeship'', except in section 
                171);
                    (C) includes counseling to support an individual in 
                achieving the individual's education and career goals;
                    (D) includes, as appropriate, education offered 
                concurrently with and in the same context as workforce 
                preparation activities and training for a specific 
                occupation or occupational cluster;
                    (E) organizes education, training, and other 
                services to meet the particular needs of an individual 
                in a manner that accelerates the educational and career 
                advancement of the individual to the extent 
                practicable;
                    (F) enables an individual to attain a secondary 
                school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at 
                least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and
                    (G) helps an individual enter or advance within a 
                specific occupation or occupational cluster.
            (5) Community partner.--The term ``community partner'' 
        means a nonprofit organization that has expertise--
                    (A) in the planning and delivery of education, 
                career training, and related programs;
                    (B) in forging coordination and cooperation between 
                educators and other members of the community;
                    (C) in training educators and other deliverers of 
                educational services; or
                    (D) in development and implementation of data 
                systems that measure the progress of students, schools, 
                and institutions of higher education, and career 
                pathways programs.
            (6) Eligible agency.--The term ``eligible agency'' means--
                    (A) a local educational agency;
                    (B) a consortium of local educational agencies or 
                an agent operating on behalf of the consortium; or
                    (C) a school operated or funded by the Bureau of 
                Indian Education.
            (7) ESEA definitions.--The terms ``high school'', ``local 
        educational agency'', ``middle grades'', and ``secondary 
        school'' have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of 
        the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
        7801).
            (8) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
        Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
            (9) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001).
            (10) Intermediary organization.--The term ``intermediary 
        organization'' means a nonprofit organization that has 
        expertise in training, forging public-private partnerships, 
        systems development, capacity-building, improving scalability, 
        and evaluation.
            (11) Native hawaiian.--The term ``Native Hawaiian'' has the 
        meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and 
        Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517).
            (12) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term 
        ``registered apprenticeship program'' means a program 
        registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as 
        the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 
        29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.).
            (13) School partnership.--The term ``school partnership'' 
        means a partnership that--
                    (A) shall include, at a minimum--
                            (i) an eligible agency;
                            (ii) instructors and faculty at an eligible 
                        agency; and
                            (iii) one or more local business or 
                        industry partners; and
                    (B) may also include one or more of the following 
                partners:
                            (i) A local community-based organization.
                            (ii) A joint labor-management partnership.
                            (iii) An institution of higher education.
                            (iv) A State board or local board (as such 
                        terms are defined in section 3 of the Workforce 
                        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
                        3102)).
                            (v) An apprenticeship college (as defined 
                        as an institution partnership that is 
                        registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 
                        (commonly known as the ``National 
                        Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 
                        663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) and is an 
                        institution of higher education (as defined in 
                        section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
                        1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)))).
                            (vi) Any other entity that the Secretary, 
                        after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, 
                        considers appropriate.
            (14) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Education.
            (15) State.--The term ``State'' means each State of the 
        United States, the District of Columbia, and the territories of 
        Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, 
        and U.S. Virgin Islands.
            (16) State educational agency.--The term ``State 
        educational agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 
        602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 
        U.S.C. 1401).
                                 <all>
Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to award competitive grants for the purpose of developing, offering, improving, and providing educational or career pathway programs for workers, to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a program that awards grants to State coalitions that build or expand career pathways programs in schools within the State, and to establish a program that awards grants to eligible agencies to carry out career pathways programs, and for other purposes.
Connecting Students to Great Jobs Act
Rep. Harder, Josh