Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act

119th Congress Introduced by April McClain Delaney

Expands federal funding to modernize and extend higher education in food and agricultural sciences, including paid work-based learning, through 2035.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Overview

Higher Education Challenge Grant Modernization Act (H.R. 7913) amends the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 to reauthorize and expand grants and fellowships for education in food and agricultural sciences. The bill focuses on strengthening the pipeline of trained professionals and supporting teaching enhancements, including paid work-based learning, with a dedicated funding authorization through 2035.

Objectives and Intent

Modernize and extend federal support for higher education initiatives in food and agricultural sciences.

Expand funding to address shortages of professionals in:

Food and agricultural sciences
Rural economic, community, and business development

Encourage and fund teaching enhancement projects and paid work-based learning to improve student preparation and practical experience.

Key Provisions

Amendments to Section 1417(c) of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977:

Adds a new priority category for applications that fund teaching enhancement projects, including paid work-based learning, aimed at increasing the number of trained professionals in:
Food and agricultural sciences
Rural economic, community, and business development

Authorization of appropriations:

Adds a new funding stream: $60,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2035 for these programs.
The funding is in addition to existing authorities and is structured to support ongoing or new grants and fellowships under the program.

Beneficiaries and Effects

Primary Beneficiaries:

Higher education institutions (colleges and universities) offering programs in food and agricultural sciences.
Students pursuing degrees and careers in food/agriculture and rural development.
Faculty and administrators seeking to implement teaching enhancements and work-based learning opportunities.

Secondary Impacts:

Strengthened pipeline of trained professionals for the agricultural sector.
Potential boosts to rural economic development through enhanced educational pathways.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and consideration:

Introduced March 12, 2026.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture; later referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology (April 3, 2026 action).

Implementation timeline:

Authorized funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2035 at $60 million annually.
Requires appropriations to be enacted each year to execute the program and grant/fellowship activities.

Notes

The bill is sponsored by Rep. April McClain Delaney (and co-sponsored by Mrs. M.C. Claudine Delaney and Mr. Vindman in sponsor list as presented; actual sponsor details may need confirmation from official records).

The text emphasizes expanding and updating priorities to include teaching enhancements and paid work-based learning as core grant activities.