Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 2028
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2028Education
Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025
INTRO JUN 11· LAST ACTION JUN 11
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it addresses a growing demand for skilled workers in critical sectors like construction and manufacturing, which are vital to the nation's infrastructure and economy. If passed, it could help individuals secure well-paying jobs and stable careers without necessarily incurring the debt associated with a traditional four-year college degree, by providing support for 'earn-while-you-learn' apprenticeship models.
Without this bill, colleges might continue to struggle with recruiting students into these specific trades and retaining them through completion, potentially exacerbating workforce shortages. By investing in outreach and student support, the bill aims to make these valuable career paths more accessible and successful for a wider range of students, particularly those who might be overlooked by traditional recruitment methods, thereby strengthening local economies and providing diverse pathways to prosperity.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a 'Community Outreach Grant Program' to provide funds (up to $500,000 per entity) to colleges to promote their construction and manufacturing apprenticeship programs to high school students, parents, local businesses, and workforce development boards.
This provision helps raise awareness about career opportunities in skilled trades and connects colleges with potential students and employers.
PROVISION 02
Creates a 'Student Support Grant Program' to offer grants (up to $500,000 per entity) to colleges for expanding advising and support services for students in construction and manufacturing apprenticeship programs, including career advising, mental health counseling, and childcare support.
This aims to increase student retention and completion rates in these programs by addressing common barriers to success.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Secretary to prioritize grant applications from colleges that demonstrate efforts to increase enrollment for rural students, first-generation college students, minority students, and other underrepresented populations.
This ensures that the programs actively work to expand access and opportunity to a diverse range of students who might benefit most.
PROVISION 04
Mandates that colleges receiving student support grants submit reports on program activities, student participation, and effectiveness in expanding enrollment and completion rates, especially for underrepresented groups.
This ensures accountability and allows for evaluation of whether the grant programs are achieving their intended goals.
This bill matters because it addresses a growing demand for skilled workers in critical sectors like construction and manufacturing, which are vital to the nation's infrastructure and economy. If passed, it could help individuals secure well-paying jobs and stable careers without necessarily incurring the debt associated with a traditional four-year college degree, by providing support for 'earn-while-you-learn' apprenticeship models.
Without this bill, colleges might continue to struggle with recruiting students into these specific trades and retaining them through completion, potentially exacerbating workforce shortages. By investing in outreach and student support, the bill aims to make these valuable career paths more accessible and successful for a wider range of students, particularly those who might be overlooked by traditional recruitment methods, thereby strengthening local economies and providing diverse pathways to prosperity.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a 'Community Outreach Grant Program' to provide funds (up to $500,000 per entity) to colleges to promote their construction and manufacturing apprenticeship programs to high school students, parents, local businesses, and workforce development boards.
This provision helps raise awareness about career opportunities in skilled trades and connects colleges with potential students and employers.
high
Creates a 'Student Support Grant Program' to offer grants (up to $500,000 per entity) to colleges for expanding advising and support services for students in construction and manufacturing apprenticeship programs, including career advising, mental health counseling, and childcare support.
This aims to increase student retention and completion rates in these programs by addressing common barriers to success.
med
Requires the Secretary to prioritize grant applications from colleges that demonstrate efforts to increase enrollment for rural students, first-generation college students, minority students, and other underrepresented populations.
This ensures that the programs actively work to expand access and opportunity to a diverse range of students who might benefit most.
med
Mandates that colleges receiving student support grants submit reports on program activities, student participation, and effectiveness in expanding enrollment and completion rates, especially for underrepresented groups.
This ensures accountability and allows for evaluation of whether the grant programs are achieving their intended goals.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the eligible entity concludes the activities supported by the grant.
Eligible entities receiving student support grants must submit a report to the Secretary on their activities, student participation, and program effectiveness.
Student Support Grant Program for Expanded Academic Advising
discretionary
2026 through 2030
GLOSSARY
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Registered apprenticeship program
A structured training program approved by the Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency, combining paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, leading to a recognized credential.
Institution of higher education
A college, university, or vocational school that offers post-high school education and is typically accredited.
Eligible entity
An organization or institution that meets specific criteria to qualify for federal grants or programs; in this bill, it means a college that sponsors construction and manufacturing-oriented registered apprenticeship programs.
Secretary
Refers to the U.S. Secretary of Education, who would administer the grant programs, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Labor.
Construction and manufacturing-oriented apprenticeship college
A college that specifically offers and oversees apprenticeship programs focused on jobs in the construction or manufacturing industries.
Postsecondary credential
A certificate, degree, or other official recognition earned after high school, confirming completion of a course of study or training.
Nontraditional students
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 11, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 11, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Students who may face unique challenges or come from backgrounds not typically represented in higher education, such as older students, those with dependents, or individuals from underrepresented racial or socioeconomic groups.
