Representative Carter introduced the More Choice for Career Training Act on Friday. This legislation is aimed at expanding the eligibility of Pell Grants to students pursuing career and technical education (CTE).

“The More Choice for Career Training Act allows students in career and technical education programs to be eligible to receive Pell Grants and allocate that funding towards their CTE programs. As of right now, typically only students enrolled in traditional higher education are eligible to receive federal Pell Grants. My bill seeks to give every student a chance at the success they deserve. As a father of four and grandfather of six, I know that every student is different, and a traditional four-year college degree is not always the best option.  It is important we make the skills and real-world experience gained in CTE programs affordable and available to as many people as possible, so each student has a chance at success.

“With higher education costs skyrocketing, students are graduating with tons of debt in degree fields that don’t always transfer. CTE programs are not only more affordable but increase many students’ chances at having a well-paying career. Lastly, our economy is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled trade workers and CTE programs prepare students to fill that gap, benefitting their careers and our economy.”

The bill instructs the Department of Education to develop a new certification pathway to allow job training, apprenticeship, and certification programs to be eligible to receive Pell Grant dollars. Determinations of program eligibility are based upon specific student outcome targets including:

• Program completion rate.
• Job placement rate within 90 days of program completion.
• Job placement rate within 12 months of program completion.
• Graduate median starting salary.
• Graduate median salary 5 years after program completion.
• Graduate average starting salary.
• Graduate average salary 5 years after program completion.

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