,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #cdja ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,december #i1 #bjbe,mr4 ,marshall 7for himself and ,mr4 ,warnock7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to establish1 improve1 or expand high-quality workforce development programs at community colleges1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,pathways to ,prosperity ,act4 #b4 ,strengthening community colleges workforce development grants program ,subtitle ,d of title ,i of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cbba et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #agb as section #agc2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #aga the following3 #agb4 ,strengthening community colleges workforce development grants program 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to establish1 improve1 or expand high-quality workforce development programs at community colleges2 and 7#b7 to expand opportunities for individuals to obtain recognized postsecondary credentials that are nationally or regionally portable and stackable for high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations4 7b7 ,strengthening community colleges workforce development grants program 7#a7 ,in general ,from the amounts appropriated to carry out this section and not reserved under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall1 on a competitive basis1 make grants to eligible institutions to carry out the activities described in subsection 7e74 7#b7 ,reservation ,of the amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary may reserve not more than #b percent for the administration of grants awarded under this section1 including-- 7,a7 providing technical assistance and targeted outreach to support eligible institutions serving a high number or high percentage of low-income individuals or individuals with barriers to employment1 and rural-serving eligible institutions1 to provide guidance and assistance in the process of applying for grants under this section2 and 7,b7 evaluating and reporting on the performance and impact of programs funded under this section in accordance with subsections 7f7 through 7h74 7c7 ,award period 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,covered grant ,the term covered grant means-- 7i7 if the grant recipient received a first grant under this section for a period of more than #a year1 that first grant2 and 7ii7 if the grant recipient received first and second grants described in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 that second grant4 7#b7 ,periods for first and second grants ,for grants awarded under this section-- 7,a7 each first grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of not more than #b years2 and 7,b7 a recipient that receives a first grant for a period of not more than #a year1 may receive a consecutive second grant for a period of not more than #a year4 7#c7 ,subsequent grants ,an eligible institution that receives a covered grant under this section may receive one or more subsequent grants under this section1 but only as described in this paragraph4 ,the institution may not receive a subsequent grant until the day that is #b years after the period of the covered grant4 ,the institution may receive a subsequent grant for a period of not more than #b years1 if the eligible institution demonstrates that1 during the most recently completed grant period for a grant received under this section1 such eligible institution achieved the levels of performance agreed to by the eligible institution with respect to the performance indicators specified in subsection 7f74 7d7 ,application 7#a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 an eligible institution shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,contents ,an application submitted by an eligible institution under paragraph 7#a7 shall include a description of each the following3 7,a7 ,the extent to which the eligible institution has demonstrated success building partnerships with employers in high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations to provide students with the skills needed for occupations in such industries and an explanation of the results of any such partnerships4 7,b7 ,the methods and strategies the eligible institution will use to engage with employers in high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations1 including any arrangements to place individuals who complete the workforce development programs supported by the grant into employment with such employers4 7,c7 ,the proposed eligible institution and industry partnership that the eligible institution will establish or maintain to comply with subsection 7e77#a71 including-- 7i7 the roles and responsibilities of each employer1 organization1 agency1 or institution of higher education that the eligible institution will partner with to carry out the activities under this section2 and 7ii7 the needs that will be addressed by such eligible institution and industry partnership4 7,d7 ,one or more high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations that such eligible institution and industry partnership will target and real-time labor market data demonstrating that those industry sectors or occupations are aligned with employer demand in the geographic area to be served by the eligible institution4 7,e7 ,the extent to which the eligible institution can-- 7i7 leverage additional resources to support the programs to be funded with the grant1 which shall include written commitments of any leveraged or matching funds for the proposed programs2 and 7ii7 demonstrate the future sustainability of each such program4 7,f7 ,the steps the institution will take to ensure the high quality of each program to be funded with the grant1 including the career pathways within such programs4 7,g7 ,the population and geographic area to be served by the eligible institution1 including the number of individuals the eligible institution intends to serve during the grant period4 7,h7 ,the workforce development programs to be supported by the grant4 7,i7 ,the recognized postsecondary credentials that are expected to be earned by participants in such workforce development programs and the related high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations for which such programs will prepare participants4 7,j7 ,the evidence upon which the education and skills development strategies to be used in such workforce development programs are based and an explanation of how such evidence influenced the design of the programs to improve education and employment outcomes4 7,k7 ,how activities of the eligible institution are expected to align with the workforce strategies identified in-- 7i7 any ,state plan or local plan submitted under this ,act by the ,state1 outlying area1 or locality in which the eligible institution is expected to operate2 7ii7 any ,state plan submitted under section #abb of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcdb7 by such ,state or outlying area2 and 7iii7 any economic development plan of the chief executive of such ,state or outlying area4 7,l7 ,the goals of the eligible institution with respect to-- 7i7 capacity building 7as described in subsection 7f77#a77;,b772 and 7ii7 the expected performance of individuals participating in the programs to be offered by the eligible institution1 including with respect to any performance indicators applicable under section #aaf or subsection 7f7 of this section4 7#c7 ,consideration of previous experience ,the ,secretary may not disqualify an eligible institution from receiving a grant under this section solely because such institution lacks previous experience in building partnerships1 as described in paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7#d7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that-- 7,a7 will use the grant to serve-- 7i7 individuals with barriers to employment2 or 7ii7 incumbent workers who need to gain or improve foundational skills to enhance their employability2 7,b7 use competency-based assessments to award academic credit for prior learning for programs supported by the grant2 or 7,c7 have1 or will seek to have1 the career education programs supported by the grant included on the list of eligible providers of training services under section #abb7;d7 for the ,state in which the eligible institution is located4 7e7 ,uses of funds 7#a7 ,eligible institution and industry partnership ,for the purpose of carrying out the activities specified in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c71 an eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall establish a partnership 7or continue an existing partnership7 with one or more employers in a high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sector or occupation 7in this section referred to as an eligible institution and industry partnership7 and shall maintain such partnership for the duration of the grant period4 ,the eligible institution shall ensure that the partnership-- 7,a7 targets one or more specific high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industries2 7,b7 includes collaboration with the workforce development system2 7,c7 serves dislocated workers1 incumbent workers1 and new entrants to the workforce2 7,d7 uses an evidence-based program design that is appropriate for the activities carried out by the partnership2 7,e7 incorporates work-based learning opportunities2 and 7,f7 incorporates1 to the extent appropriate1 virtual service delivery to facilitate technology-enabled learning4 7#b7 ,required activities ,an eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall1 in consultation with the employers in the eligible institution and industry partnership described in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 establish1 improve1 or expand high-quality1 evidence-based workforce development programs1 which may be career pathway programs or work-based learning programs 7including apprenticeship programs or preapprenticeships72 7,b7 provide career services to individuals participating in the programs funded with the grant to facilitate retention and program completion1 which may include-- 7i7 career navigation1 coaching1 mentorship1 and case management services1 including providing information and outreach to individuals with barriers to employment to encourage such individuals to participate in programs funded with the grant2 and 7ii7 providing access to course materials1 technological devices1 required equipment1 and other supports necessary for participation in and successful completion of such programs2 and 7,c7 make available1 in a format that is open1 searchable1 and easily comparable1 information on-- 7i7 curricula and recognized postsecondary credentials offered through programs funded with the grant1 including any curricula or credentials created or further developed using such grant1 which for each recognized postsecondary credential1 shall include-- 7,i7 the issuing entity of such credential2 7,,ii7 any third-party endorsements of such credential2 7,,iii7 the occupations for which the credential prepares individuals2 7,,iv7 the skills and competencies necessary to achieve to earn such credential2 7,v7 the level of mastery of such skills and competencies 7including how mastery is assessed72 and 7,,vi7 any transfer value or stackability of the credential2 7ii7 any skills or competencies developed by individuals who participate in such programs beyond the skills and competencies identified in clause 7i77,,iv72 and 7iii7 related employment and earnings outcomes on the primary indicators of performance described in subclauses 7,i7 through 7,,iii7 of section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77i74 7#c7 ,additional activities ,in addition to the activities required under paragraph 7#b71 an eligible institution that receives a grant under this section shall1 in consultation with the employers in the eligible institution and industry partnership described in paragraph 7#a71 carry out one or more of the following activities3 7,a7 ,establish1 improve1 or expand-- 7i7 articulation agreements 7as defined in section #dhf;,a7a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajic;a7a7772 7ii7 credit transfer agreements2 7iii7 corequisite remediation programs that enable a student to receive remedial education services while enrolled in a postsecondary course rather than requiring the student to receive remedial education before enrolling in such a course2 7iv7 dual or concurrent enrollment programs2 7v7 competency-based education and assessment2 or 7vi7 policies and processes to award academic credit for prior learning or for the programs described in paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7,b7 ,establish or implement plans for providers of the programs described in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 to meet the criteria and carry out the procedures necessary to be included on the list of eligible providers of training services described in section #abb7;d74 7,c7 ,purchase1 lease1 or refurbish specialized equipment as necessary to carry out such programs1 provided that not more than #ae percent of the funds awarded to the eligible institution under this section may be used for activities described in this subparagraph4 7,d7 ,reduce or eliminate unmet financial need relating to the cost of attendance 7as defined under section #dgb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajhgll77 of participants in such programs4 7#d7 ,administrative cost limit ,an eligible institution may use not more than #g percent of the funds awarded under this section for administrative costs1 including costs related to collecting information1 analysis1 and coordination for purposes of subsection 7f74 7f7 ,levels of performance and performance reviews 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop and implement guidance that establishes the levels of performance that are expected to be achieved by each eligible institution receiving a grant under this section4 ,such levels of performance shall be established on the following indicators3 7,a7 ,each of the primary indicators of performance for adults described in section #aaf7;b77#b77;,a77i71 which shall be applied for all individuals who participated in a program that received funding from a grant under this section4 7,b7 ,the extent to which the eligible institution built capacity by-- 7i7 increasing the breadth and depth of employer engagement and investment in workforce development programs in the high-skill1 high-wage1 or in-demand industry sectors or occupations targeted by the eligible institution and industry partnership established or maintained by the eligible institution under subsection 7e77#a72 7ii7 designing or implementing new and accelerated instructional techniques or technologies1 including the use of advanced online and technology-enabled learning 7such as immersive technology72 and 7iii7 increasing program and policy alignment across systems and decreasing duplicative services or service gaps4 7,c7 ,with respect to individuals who participated in a workforce development program funded with the grant-- 7i7 the percentage of participants who successfully completed the program2 and 7ii7 of the participants who were incumbent workers at the time of enrollment in the program1 the percentage who advanced into higher-level positions during or after completing the program4 7#b7 ,consultation and determination of levels of performance 7,a7 ,consideration ,in developing levels of performance in accordance with paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall take into consideration the goals of the eligible institution pursuant to subsection 7d77#b77,l74 7,b7 ,determination ,after completing the consideration required under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall separately determine the levels of performance that will apply to each eligible institution1 taking into account-- 7i7 the expected levels of performance of each eligible institution with respect to the goals described by the eligible institution pursuant to subsection 7d77#b77,l72 and 7ii7 local economic conditions in the geographic area to be served by the eligible institution1 including differences in unemployment rates and job losses or gains in the industry sectors or occupations identified in subsection 7d77#b77;,d74 7,c7 ,notice and acknowledgment 7i7 ,notice ,the ,secretary shall provide each eligible institution with a written notification that sets forth the levels of performance that will apply to the eligible institution1 as determined under subparagraph 7,b74 7ii7 ,acknowledgment ,after receiving the notification described in clause 7i71 each eligible institution shall submit to the ,secretary written confirmation that the eligible institution-- 7,i7 received the notification2 and 7,,ii7 agrees to be evaluated in accordance with the levels of performance determined by the ,secretary4 7#c7 ,performance reviews ,on an annual basis during each year of the grant period1 the ,secretary shall evaluate the performance during such year of each eligible institution receiving a grant under this section in a manner consistent with the levels of performance determined for such institution pursuant to paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,failure to meet levels of performance ,after conducting an evaluation under paragraph 7#c71 if the ,secretary determines that an eligible institution did not achieve the levels of performance applicable to the eligible institution under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 provide technical assistance to the eligible institution2 and 7,b7 develop a performance improvement plan for the eligible institution4 7g7 ,evaluations and reports 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date on which the first grant is made under this section1 the ,secretary shall design and conduct an evaluation to determine the overall effectiveness of the eligible institutions receiving a grant under this section4 7#b7 ,elements ,the evaluation of the effectiveness of eligible institutions conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall include an assessment of the general effectiveness of programs and activities supported by the grants awarded to such eligible institutions under this section1 including the extent to which the programs and activities-- 7,a7 developed new1 or expanded existing1 successful industry sector strategies1 including the extent to which such eligible institutions deepened employer engagement and developed workforce development programs that met industry skill needs2 7,b7 created1 expanded1 or enhanced career pathways1 including the extent to which the eligible institutions developed or improved competency-based education and assessment1 credit for prior learning1 modularized and self-paced curricula1 integrated education and workforce development1 dual enrollment in secondary and postsecondary career pathways1 stacked and latticed credentials1 and online and distance learning2 7,c7 created alignment between eligible institutions and the workforce development system2 7,d7 assisted individuals with finding1 retaining1 or advancing in employment2 7,e7 assisted individuals with earning recognized postsecondary credentials2 and 7,f7 provided equal access to various demographic groups1 including people of different geographic locations1 ages1 races1 national origins1 and sexes4 7#c7 ,design requirements ,the evaluation under this subsection shall-- 7,a7 be designed by the ,secretary 7acting through the ,chief ,evaluation ,officer7 in conjunction with the eligible institutions being evaluated2 7,b7 include analysis of program participant feedback and outcome and process measures2 and 7,c7 use designs that employ the most rigorous analytical and statistical methods that are reasonably feasible1 such as the use of control groups4 7#d7 ,data accessibility ,the ,secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible website of the ,department of ,labor any data collected as part of the evaluation under this subsection4 ,such data shall be made available in an aggregated format that does not reveal personally identifiable information and that ensures compliance with relevant ,federal laws1 including section #ddd of the ,general ,education ,provisions ,act 7commonly known as the ,family ,educational ,rights and ,privacy ,act of #aigd7 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb;g74 7#e7 ,publication and reporting of evaluation findings ,the ,secretary 7acting through the ,chief ,evaluation ,officer7 shall-- 7,a7 in accordance with the timeline determined to be appropriate by the ,chief ,evaluation ,officer1 publish an interim report on the preliminary results of the evaluation conducted under this subsection2 7,b7 not later than #fj days after the date on which the evaluation is completed under this subsection1 submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,workforce of the ,house of ,representatives a report on such evaluation2 and 7,c7 not later than #ij days after such completion date1 publish and make the results of such evaluation available on a publicly accessible website of the ,department of ,labor4 7h7 ,annual reports ,the ,secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible website of the ,department of ,labor1 in transparent1 linked1 open1 and interoperable data formats1 the following information3 7#a7 ,the performance of each eligible institution receiving a grant under this section on the capacity-building performance indicator set forth under subsection 7f77#a77;,b74 7#b7 ,the performance of each eligible institution receiving a grant under this section on the workforce development participant outcome performance indicators set forth under subsection 7f77#a77;,c74 7#c7 ,the number of individuals enrolled in workforce development programs funded with a grant under this section4 7i7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,chief evaluation officer ,the term ,chief ,evaluation ,officer means the head of the independent evaluation office located in the ,office of the ,assistant ,secretary for ,policy of the ,department of ,labor4 7#b7 ,community college ,the term community college means-- 7,a7 a public institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a7771 at which-- 7i7 the highest degree awarded is an associate degree2 or 7ii7 an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree2 7,b7 a branch campus of a #d-year public institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja771 if1 at such branch campus-- 7i7 the highest degree awarded is an associate degree2 or 7ii7 an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree2 7,c7 a #b-year ,tribal ,college or ,university 7as defined in section #caf7;b77#c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b77#c7772 or 7,d7 a degree-granting ,tribal ,college or ,university 7as defined in section #caf7;b77#c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b77#c777 at which-- 7i7 the highest degree awarded is an associate degree2 or 7ii7 an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree4 7#c7 ,eligible institution ,the term eligible institution means-- 7,a7 a community college2 7,b7 a postsecondary vocational institution 7as defined in section #ajb7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c7772 or 7,c7 a consortium of such colleges or institutions4 7j7 ,supplement not supplant ,funds made available under this section shall be used to supplement1 and not supplant1 other ,federal1 ,state1 and local public funds made available for carrying out the activities described in this section4 4 #c4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act is amended by striking the item relating to section #agb and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #agb4 ,strengthening community colleges workforce development grants program4,sec4 #agc4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4