Bill Text: MI HR0169 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Introduced


Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to allow students in short-term training programs to apply for federal Pell grants.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 11-5)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-09-29 - Referred To Committee On Education [HR0169 Detail]

Download: Michigan-2021-HR0169-Introduced.html

 

 

house resolution no.169

Reps. Frederick, Anthony, Martin, Bellino, Beson, Wakeman, Tisdel, Roth, Eisen, Outman, Thanedar, O'Neal and Hauck offered the following resolution:

A resolution to urge the Congress of the United States to allow students in short-term training programs to apply for federal Pell grants.

Whereas, The federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low- and moderate-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Pell grants have been helping millions of students in need across the country access postsecondary education for 45 years; and

Whereas, Pell grants are available to students enrolled in an eligible program at a participating institution of higher education, as defined by Title IV of the Higher Education Act, for the purpose of earning a certificate or degree. Eligible institutions include public and nonprofit institutions, proprietary institutions, and postsecondary vocational institutions. Eligible programs require at least 16 semester hours offered during a minimum of 15 weeks. Graduate and professional programs that run for a minimum of 8 semester hours over 10 weeks may be eligible for a Pell grant as long as the programs admit individuals who have completed the equivalent of an associate's degree; and

Whereas, Students in many short-term training programs under 15 weeks are currently unable to apply for a Pell grant. Certificate programs of any length enroll a large number of low-income students, and short-term programs are particularly appealing for individuals who need to make a quick return on their investment with limited resources. The short eligibility length of these programs, therefore, disproportionately disadvantages low-income students by depriving them of a the maximum range of options for seeking postsecondary attainment; and

Whereas, Short-term training programs are extremely valuable as they prepare individuals for fields that do not require a college education and are experiencing labor shortages, such as truck driving, the skilled trades, and some entry-level care and retail occupations. Incorporating shorter duration programs which are linked to industry-recognized credentials and certifications  would provide more individuals with the assistance needed to obtain employment in their desired field in keeping with the  mission of the Pell Grant Program; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Congress of the United States to allow students in short-term training programs to apply for federal Pell grants; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of Education, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation

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