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. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 1132
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1132Employment and training programsAcademic performance and assessments
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.
INTRO FEB 7· LAST ACTION FEB 7
READING
17MIN
COSPONSORS
25
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to bridge the gap between the skills people have and the skills employers need, which is a common problem in today's job market. By funding community colleges, it helps ensure that training programs are directly aligned with local job demand, creating a clearer path for individuals to secure high-paying, in-demand jobs.
If this bill becomes law, more Americans could gain access to relevant job training, potentially leading to increased employment and economic stability. If it doesn't pass, community colleges might struggle to fund and update their workforce development programs, potentially leaving individuals without the necessary skills for a competitive job market and local businesses facing continued labor shortages.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a competitive grant program for community colleges to develop and expand high-quality workforce development programs.
This creates a dedicated federal funding stream to directly support job training initiatives at community colleges.
PROVISION 02
Directs grant funding towards programs that lead to nationally or regionally recognized credentials for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs.
This ensures that training aligns with actual labor market needs and provides participants with valuable, transferable qualifications.
PROVISION 03
Requires community colleges to partner with employers in in-demand industries when applying for grants.
This ensures that training content is relevant to current industry needs and improves the likelihood of graduates finding employment.
PROVISION 04
Prioritizes grants for institutions serving low-income individuals, those with barriers to employment, or incumbent workers needing to improve skills.
This targets support to populations who may face greater challenges in accessing training and advancing their careers.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes $65,000,000 to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to carry out this program.
This provides a specific funding level and duration for the new grant program.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 7, 2025
House BillHR 1132Employment and training programsAcademic performance and assessments
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.
This bill matters because it aims to bridge the gap between the skills people have and the skills employers need, which is a common problem in today's job market. By funding community colleges, it helps ensure that training programs are directly aligned with local job demand, creating a clearer path for individuals to secure high-paying, in-demand jobs.
If this bill becomes law, more Americans could gain access to relevant job training, potentially leading to increased employment and economic stability. If it doesn't pass, community colleges might struggle to fund and update their workforce development programs, potentially leaving individuals without the necessary skills for a competitive job market and local businesses facing continued labor shortages.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a competitive grant program for community colleges to develop and expand high-quality workforce development programs.
This creates a dedicated federal funding stream to directly support job training initiatives at community colleges.
high
Directs grant funding towards programs that lead to nationally or regionally recognized credentials for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs.
This ensures that training aligns with actual labor market needs and provides participants with valuable, transferable qualifications.
high
Requires community colleges to partner with employers in in-demand industries when applying for grants.
This ensures that training content is relevant to current industry needs and improves the likelihood of graduates finding employment.
med
Prioritizes grants for institutions serving low-income individuals, those with barriers to employment, or incumbent workers needing to improve skills.
This targets support to populations who may face greater challenges in accessing training and advancing their careers.
med
Authorizes $65,000,000 to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031 to carry out this program.
This provides a specific funding level and duration for the new grant program.
Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce Development Grants Program
discretionary
2026 through 2031
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
A federal law that funds various employment and training programs, primarily to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market.
Secretary of Labor
The head of the U.S. Department of Labor, responsible for enforcing and administering labor laws and programs.
High-quality workforce development programs
Training programs that effectively prepare individuals for employment, often by teaching skills directly relevant to current job market needs and leading to recognized credentials.
Postsecondary credentials
Certifications, licenses, or degrees obtained after high school, such as associate's degrees, industry-recognized certificates, or occupational licenses.
Portable and stackable credentials
Credentials that are widely accepted by employers or educational institutions (portable) and can be combined or built upon to achieve higher-level qualifications or career advancement (stackable).
In-demand industry sectors or occupations
Industries or job types that currently have a high number of job openings and a shortage of skilled workers.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 7, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 7, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
People who face significant challenges in finding or keeping a job, which may include low-income individuals, those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or justice-involved individuals.
Incumbent workers
Individuals who are currently employed but may need additional training or skills to retain their jobs, advance in their careers, or adapt to new technologies or job requirements.
