S. 2802: Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act

The bill, known as the Student Debt Alternative and CTE Awareness Act, aims to enhance information transparency regarding career and technical education (CTE) and integrate this awareness into the financial aid application process. Below is a detailed summary of its key provisions:

Information Disclosure by the Department of Education

The Secretary of Education is required to:

• Publish information on its public website about career and technical education programs, which must include:
  • Average completion time for various programs
  • Cost of these programs
  • Post-graduation employment rates
• Provide details on opportunities available in each state for pursuing CTE programs and accessing funding under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.
• Include information about Workforce Pell Grants, which are a type of financial aid for eligible students.
• Continuously update this information to keep it accurate and relevant.

Modification of FAFSA Application

The bill also amends the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process to include:

• A statement emphasizing that career and technical education programs (defined under the Carl D. Perkins Act) are viable alternatives to 4-year college degrees.
• A one-page summary of the most recent information published by the Department of Education related to CTE, which will be provided to applicants at the beginning of the FAFSA application.
• An acknowledgment box for applicants to confirm they understand the available CTE options and career paths.

Funding Provisions

The bill specifies that no additional federal funds will be allocated for implementing this Act or the associated amendments. This means any changes must occur within existing budgetary constraints.

Definitions

The terms used, such as "career and technical education" and "State," will adhere to definitions established in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary of Education is mandated to publish the required information within 60 days following the enactment of this Act.

Relevant Companies

None found