"Two federal lawmakers from Indiana have joined to introduce legislation establishing a pilot program that would tailor federal Pell Grants to fit the job market," The Journal Gazette writes.

"Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., and Rep. Jim Banks, R-3rd, have introduced Senate and House versions of the Pell Grant Flexibility Act, which they say would cut student debt and meet the needs of employers.

Colleges, universities and trade schools participating in the pilot program would be required to demonstrate that they make use of U.S. Bureau of Labor employment projections, local and regional workforce needs assessments and information from Workforce Investment Boards and state agencies.

The pilot is for education and training lasting between 320 and 600 hours – also known as short-term training programs.

... Megan Coval, vice president of public policy and advocacy for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, said the association supports the legislation.

Coval said in a telephone interview that community colleges and their students would be the most likely beneficiaries of the Pell Grant Flexibility Act.

She said the pilot program would be for classes that are 'aimed at more job-specific training. ... It sets up this demonstration program where schools can test this model to see how it works, if it's effective.'"

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

Publication Date: 4/12/2019