H.R. 4588: Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 aims to enhance and support enrollment at higher education institutions that provide registered apprenticeship programs focused on construction and manufacturing. Here are the main points of the bill:

Community Outreach Grant Program

• Grant Provision: The bill allows the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to provide grants of up to $500,000 to eligible entities for outreach related to construction and manufacturing apprenticeship programs.
• Outreach Activities: Funds must be used to conduct outreach to several groups, including:
• High schools to educate students and parents about the benefits of these apprenticeship programs.
• Local businesses to encourage them to hire graduates from these programs, particularly in rural and suburban areas.
• Workforce development boards and apprenticeship intermediaries to connect with nontraditional student populations and better assess local needs.
• Priority for Grants: The Secretary is encouraged to prioritize grants for entities that focus on increasing enrollment from underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, and rural students.
• Funding Authorization: The bill authorizes $5,000,000 for this program for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030.

Student Support Grant Program for Expanded Academic Advising

• Grant Provision: Similar to the outreach program, this section allows for a grant of up to $500,000 to support advising and services for students in registered apprenticeship programs.
• Use of Funds: Grants can be used for expanding support services aimed at improving student retention and completion rates. These services may include:
• Career and academic advising.
• Support for English as a second language students.
• Mental health counseling and substance abuse support.
• Childcare support and other related services.
• Multiple Grants: An eligible institution may apply for and receive grants from both the outreach program and academic advising program.
• Reporting Requirements: Entities receiving grants must report on their activities, the number of participating students, and the effectiveness of their efforts.
• Funding Authorization: This program is also authorized $5,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030.

Definitions

• Eligible Entities: The bill defines eligible entities as apprenticeship colleges that sponsor construction and manufacturing-oriented programs.
• Apprenticeship Programs: These programs must provide training geared toward careers in construction and manufacturing, lead to recognized postsecondary credentials, and be accredited by appropriate agencies.
• Specific Definitions: Terms such as 'first generation college student', 'underrepresented population', and 'outreach' are defined within the context of the bill to clarify whom the programs target and what outreach entails.

Relevant Companies

• None found