H.R. 7099: Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help to Education Act

The Promoting Advancement Through Transit Help to Education Act (also known as the PATH to Education Act) aims to improve access to higher education and center-based Head Start programs by providing public transit grants. Here are the key features of the legislation:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of this bill is to enhance transportation options for students and families, ensuring that they can travel to eligible educational institutions and Head Start programs more easily.

Definitions

Several specific terms are defined in the bill:

• Center-based Head Start program: Includes both Head Start and Early Head Start programs as defined under the Head Start Act.
• Eligible institution: Refers to various educational entities such as community colleges, minority-serving institutions, Head Start agencies, area career and technical education schools, and rural-serving institutions of higher education.
• Eligible recipient: This is defined as a public transportation provider that partners with at least one eligible institution to receive grant assistance.

Grant Authority

The bill gives the Secretary of Transportation authority to award grants to eligible recipients. These grants are intended to fund projects designed to improve connections between students and public transportation services.

Eligible Projects

Grant recipients can use funds for various activities, including:

• Adding bus or rail routes and stops that connect to educational institutions.
• Increasing the frequency of services or adjusting schedules of transportation routes to better accommodate students' class timings and the needs of Head Start program participants and their families.
• Covering operating costs associated with these enhanced transportation services, provided these costs are eligible under the terms of the grant.

Grant Application Process

Eligible recipients seeking grants must submit an application to the Secretary. Applications should outline how proposed projects will enhance transit access for students and families associated with the aforementioned educational institutions.

Grant Prioritization

The bill stipulates that priority for grant awards will be given to partnerships involving institutions where more than 25% of enrolled students receive Federal Pell Grants. This aims to focus support on institutions serving a significant number of low-income students.

Funding Allocations

The legislation outlines specific funding amounts to be allocated for grants in future fiscal years:

• Fiscal Year 2027: $1,000,000
• Fiscal Year 2028: $2,000,000
• Fiscal Year 2029: $3,000,000
• Fiscal Year 2030: $4,000,000
• Fiscal Year 2031: $5,000,000

Relevant Companies

• None found