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Bill

HR 1132

To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to community colleges for high-quality workforce development programs.

119th Congress Introduced by Alma Adams and 26 co-sponsors

HR 1132 allocates $65M annually to community colleges for workforce development, boosting access to high-skill credentials and job placements for diverse populations.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 1132

Summary of HR 1132: Workforce Development Grants for Community Colleges

Bill Number: HR 1132
Introduced: February 07, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: Lucy McBath
Cosponsors: 15 additional members of Congress

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 1132 is to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to enhance workforce development programs at community colleges. The bill seeks to:

  • Establish, improve, or expand high-quality workforce development programs.
  • Provide individuals with opportunities to obtain recognized postsecondary credentials that are portable and stackable, specifically targeting high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors.

Key Provisions

Grant Allocation

  • The Secretary of Labor is authorized to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible community colleges.
  • Funding: $65 million is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to support these grants.
  • Up to 2% of the appropriated funds may be reserved for administrative costs, including technical assistance for institutions serving low-income individuals or those with barriers to employment.

Grant Duration and Renewal

  • Grants will be awarded for an initial period of up to four years.
  • Institutions demonstrating successful performance may apply for additional grants for further four-year periods.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible institutions must submit an application that includes:
- Evidence of successful partnerships with employers in relevant industries.
- Strategies for engaging with employers to facilitate job placements for program graduates.
- Plans for leveraging additional resources and ensuring program sustainability.
- A description of the target population and geographic area to be served.

Priority Considerations

The Secretary will prioritize grants for institutions that:
- Serve individuals with barriers to employment or incumbent workers needing skill enhancement.
- Utilize competency-based assessments for academic credit.
- Aim to include their programs on the list of eligible training providers in their state.

Partnership Requirements

Institutions receiving grants must establish or maintain partnerships with employers in in-demand sectors, ensuring collaboration with the workforce development system and targeting specific high-skill industries.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly impact community colleges and their students by:
- Enhancing the quality and availability of workforce development programs.
- Increasing access to credentials that improve employability in high-demand fields.
- Supporting institutions that serve diverse populations, including low-income individuals and those facing employment barriers.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on the same day it was introduced.
  • The legislative process will involve committee review, potential amendments, and further voting in the House.

In summary, HR 1132 aims to strengthen workforce development initiatives at community colleges, thereby enhancing educational and employment opportunities for individuals in various sectors.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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