Community colleges could seek job-training grants if Congress provides funding

The Labor Department would award competitive grants for job training. Eligible community colleges would include public colleges or branch campuses where associate degrees are the highest or most common degree, two-year Tribal colleges, and other Tribal colleges meeting that degree test. Vocational schools and groups of eligible schools could also apply. Awards would depend on money Congress provides. Grant money would have to add to other public funding rather than replace it.

Schools receiving grants would work with employers to offer training and career support. Programs would serve people who lost jobs, current workers, and people entering the workforce. Training would target jobs requiring advanced skills, paying high wages, or in demand, and include learning through work. Schools could choose to help cover students' unmet education costs, but that aid would not be guaranteed. Employer partnerships would have to last throughout the grant period.

The Labor Department would review schools yearly and provide technical help and improvement plans when they miss performance goals. Later grants would require meeting performance goals during the most recently completed grant period. First grants could last up to two years. A first grant of up to one year could have a consecutive second grant of up to one year. Later grants would require waiting at least two years after that second grant or a first grant lasting more than one year ends.