Skilled Workforce for America Act

[SWMissourian]

Senator Rafferty, for himself and others (and with thanks to Sen. Rosen), introduced the following bill: 

A BILL

To provide eligible institutions with grant funds to support programs of study for in-demand industry sectors or occupations.

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 “Skilled Workforce for America Act”.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) ELIGIBLE INSTITUTION.—The term “eligible institution” means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

(2) 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 (29 U.S.C. 3102). 

(3) LOCAL BOARD.—The term “local board” has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).

(4) SECRETARY.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Education.

SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

(a) In General.—The Secretary may award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible institutions to enable those eligible institutions to fund programs to prepare students to work in in-demand industry sectors or occupations and wrap-around services to support such students, as described in section 5.

(b) Grant Duration.—The period of a grant under this Act shall not exceed 4 years. 

SEC. 4. APPLICATIONS.

(a) Application Requirement.—An eligible institution desiring a grant under this Act shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information, as the Secretary may reasonably require.

(b) Contents.—An application submitted under subsection (a) shall—

(1) describe how a grant under this Act would—

(A) prepare students to—

(i) work in an in-demand industry sector or occupation; or

(ii) teach courses in in-demand industry sectors or occupations at the secondary and post-secondary level; 

(B) benefit students served by the eligible institution; and

(C) reflect the needs of local employers;

(2) describe how funds awarded by a grant under this Act would be used; and

(3) contain other information as the Secretary considers necessary to determine the nature of the local workforce needs, the quality of the proposed program, and the capability of the applicant to carry out the program.

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.

An eligible institution receiving a grant under this Act, in collaboration with the local board, shall use grant funds to—

(1) establish and support programs of study in in-demand industry sectors or occupations; 

(2) provide academic and nonacademic wrap-around services to students enrolled in those programs of study, including—

(A) mentorship and advisement;

(B) financial literacy;

(C) academic support;

(D) tuition reimbursement; 

(E) childcare assistance; 

(F) transportation; and

(G) reimbursement for equipment; and

(3) establish or support such additional programs as the Secretary may determine.

SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.

PES:

This bill, titled the "Skilled Workforce for America Act," aims to provide grants to eligible higher education institutions. These grants are intended to fund programs that prepare students for careers in high-demand industries or occupations. Key points include:

- Eligible Institutions: Only institutions defined under the Higher Education Act of 1965 can apply.
- Grant Purpose: To support educational programs and services that align with the needs of local in-demand sectors or occupations.
- Grant Details: Grants are awarded competitively, with each grant lasting no more than 4 years.
- Application Process: Institutions must apply with details on how the grant will benefit students and meet local employment needs.
- Use of Funds: Funds can be used to create or enhance programs of study, offer support services like mentorship, financial literacy, academic support, and practical help like childcare and transportation.
- Funding: The bill authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to implement these grants.