No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6606 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6606
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize the Federal
work-study program, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 11, 2025
Ms. Bonamici (for herself and Ms. Adams) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize the Federal
work-study program, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Opportunities for Success Act of
2025''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE; AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 441 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-51)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``part, such sums as may
be necessary for fiscal year 2009 and each of the five
succeeding fiscal years.'' and inserting ``part--
``(1) $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
``(2) $1,750,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
``(3) $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2029;
``(4) $2,250,000,000 for fiscal year 2030; and
``(5) $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2031 and each
succeeding fiscal year.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``child
development and early learning (including Head Start
and Early Head Start programs carried out under the
Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.)),'', before
``literacy training,'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
(C) in paragraph (4)(C), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) work-based learning designed to give students
experience in any activity described in paragraph (1), (2),
(3), or (4), without regard to whether credit is awarded.'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Work-Based Learning Defined.--For purposes of this part, the
term `work-based learning' means sustained interactions with industry,
community, or academic professionals in real workplace settings that--
``(1) include on campus opportunities;
``(2) foster in-depth, first-hand engagement with the tasks
required of a given career field that are aligned with a
student's field of study; and
``(3) may include internships, fellowships, research
assistant positions, teacher residencies, clinical experiences,
community services, administrative positions, participation in
cooperative education, and apprenticeships registered under the
Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et
seq.).''.
SEC. 3. ALLOCATION FORMULA.
Section 442 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-52)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 442. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
``(a) Reservations.--
``(1) Reservation for improved institutions.--
``(A) Amount of reservation for improved
institutions.--Beginning with fiscal year 2027, for any
fiscal year in which the amount appropriated under
section 441(b) exceeds $700,000,000, the Secretary
shall--
``(i) reserve the lesser of--
``(I) an amount equal to 20 percent
of the amount by which the amount
appropriated under section 441(b)
exceeds $700,000,000; or
``(II) $150,000,000; and
``(ii) allocate the amount reserved under
clause (i) to each improved institution in an
amount equal to the greater of--
``(I) the amount that bears the
same proportion to the amount reserved
under clause (i) as the total amount of
all Federal Pell Grant funds awarded at
the improved institution for the second
preceding fiscal year bears to the
total amount of Federal Pell Grant
funds awarded at improved institutions
participating under this part for the
second preceding fiscal year; or
``(II) $5,000.
``(B) Definition of improved institution.--As used
in this paragraph, the term `improved institution'
means an institution that, on the date on which the
Secretary makes an allocation under subparagraph
(A)(ii)--
``(i) is an institution of higher education
(as defined under section 102) participating
under this part; and
``(ii) with respect to--
``(I) the completion rate of
Federal Pell Grant recipients at an
institution, is in the top 75 percent
of all institutions participating under
this part for the preceding fiscal
year;
``(II) the percentage of students
at an institution who are Federal Pell
Grant recipients, has a greater
percentage of such students at the
institution than at least 50 percent of
the institutions participating under
this part for the preceding fiscal
year; and
``(III) the annual increase in the
completion rate of Federal Pell Grant
recipients at an institution, has an
annual increase that is greater than
the annual increase of at least 50
percent of the institutions
participating under this part for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(C) Completion rate.--For purposes of determining
the completion rate of an institution under this
section, a Federal Pell Grant recipient who is either a
full-time student or a part-time student shall be
counted as a completer if, within 150 percent of the
normal time for completion of or graduation from the
program, the student has completed or graduated from
the program, or enrolled in any program of an
institution participating in any program under this
title for which the prior program provides substantial
preparation.
``(2) Reservation for grant program.--From the amount
appropriated under section 441(b) for a fiscal year and
remaining after the Secretary reserves funds under subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 to carry out
grants under section 449.
``(3) Reallocation of amount returned by improved
institutions.--If an institution returns to the Secretary any
portion of the sums allocated to such institution under this
subsection for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall reallot the
excess to improved institutions on the same basis as under
paragraph (1)(A).
``(4) Publication.--Beginning 1 year after the first
allocations are made to improved institutions under paragraph
(1)(A) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall make
publicly available--
``(A) a list of the improved institutions that
received funding under that paragraph for the prior
fiscal year; and
``(B) for each such improved institution--
``(i) the percentage of students who are
Federal Pell Grant recipients;
``(ii) the completion rate for students who
are Federal Pell Grant recipients; and
``(iii) a comparison between the
information described in clauses (i) and (ii)
for the prior fiscal year and such information
for the fiscal year that is two years prior.
``(b) Allocation Formula for Fiscal Years 2027 Through 2031.--
``(1) In general.--From the amount appropriated under
section 441(b) for a fiscal year and remaining after the
Secretary reserves funds under subsection (a) of this section,
the Secretary shall allocate to each institution--
``(A) for fiscal year 2027, an amount equal to the
greater of--
``(i) 90 percent of the amount the
institution received under this subsection and
subsection (a) for fiscal year 2026, as those
subsections were in effect with respect to that
fiscal year (in this subparagraph referred to
as `the 2026 amount for the institution'); or
``(ii) the fair share amount for the
institution determined under subsection (d);
``(B) for fiscal year 2028, an amount equal to the
greater of--
``(i) 80 percent of the 2026 amount for the
institution; or
``(ii) the fair share amount for the
institution determined under subsection (d);
``(C) for fiscal year 2029, an amount equal to the
greater of--
``(i) 60 percent of the 2026 amount for the
institution; or
``(ii) the fair share amount for the
institution determined under subsection (d);
``(D) for fiscal year 2030, an amount equal to the
greater of--
``(i) 40 percent of the 2026 amount for the
institution; or
``(ii) the fair share amount for the
institution determined under subsection (d);
and
``(E) for fiscal year 2031, an amount equal to the
greater of--
``(i) 20 percent of the 2026 amount for the
institution; or
``(ii) the fair share amount for the
institution determined under subsection (d).
``(2) Ratable reduction.--
``(A) In general.--If the amount appropriated under
section 441(b) for a fiscal year and remaining after
the Secretary reserves funds under subsection (a) of
this section is less than the amount required to be
allocated to the institutions under this subsection,
then the amount of the allocation to each institution
shall be ratably reduced.
``(B) Additional appropriations.--If the amounts
allocated to each institution are ratably reduced under
subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year and additional
amounts are appropriated for that fiscal year, the
amount allocated to each institution from the
additional amounts shall be increased on the same basis
as the basis on which the amounts under subparagraph
(A) were reduced (until each institution receives the
amount required to be allocated under this subsection).
``(c) Allocation Formula for Fiscal Year 2031 and Each Succeeding
Fiscal Year.--Except as provided in subsection (d)(4), from the amount
appropriated under section 441(b) for fiscal year 2031 and each
succeeding fiscal year and remaining after the Secretary reserves funds
under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary shall allocate to
each institution the fair share amount for the institution determined
under subsection (d).
``(d) Determination of Fair Share Amount.--
``(1) In general.--The fair share amount for an institution
for a fiscal year is the sum of--
``(A) 100 percent of the institutional
undergraduate student need calculated under paragraph
(2) for the preceding fiscal year; and
``(B) 25 percent of the institutional graduate
student need calculated under paragraph (3) for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(2) Institutional undergraduate student need
calculation.--The institutional undergraduate student need for
an institution for a fiscal year is the sum of the following:
``(A) An amount equal to 50 percent of the amount
that bears the same proportion to the available
appropriated amount for that fiscal year as the total
amount of Federal Pell Grant funds awarded at the
institution for the preceding fiscal year bears to the
total amount of Federal Pell Grant funds awarded at all
institutions participating under this part for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(B) An amount equal to 50 percent of the amount
that bears the same proportion to the available
appropriated amount for that fiscal year as the total
amount of the undergraduate student need at the
institution for the preceding fiscal year bears to the
total amount of undergraduate student need at all
institutions participating under this part for the
preceding fiscal year.
``(3) Institutional graduate student need calculation.--The
institutional graduate student need for an institution for a
fiscal year is the amount that bears the same proportion to the
available appropriated amount for such fiscal year as the total
amount of the graduate student need at the institution for the
preceding fiscal year bears to the total amount of graduate
student need at all institutions participating under this part
for the preceding fiscal year.
``(4) Eligibility for fair share amount.--Beginning in
fiscal year 2027, the Secretary may not allocate funds under
this part for a fiscal year to any institution that, for at
least two of the three fiscal years preceding such fiscal year,
has--
``(A) a student population with less than 7 percent
of undergraduate students who are recipients of Federal
Pell Grants; or
``(B) in the case of an institution that enrolls
only graduate students, a student population with less
than 5 percent of students who have a student aid index
of zero.
``(5) Definitions.--The following definitions apply to this
subsection:
``(A) Available appropriated amount.--The term
`available appropriated amount' means--
``(i) the amount appropriated under section
441(b) for a fiscal year, minus
``(ii) the amounts reserved under
subsection (a) of this section for that fiscal
year.
``(B) Average cost of attendance.--The term
`average cost of attendance' means, with respect to an
institution, the average of the attendance costs for a
fiscal year for students, which includes--
``(i) tuition and fees, computed on the
basis of information reported by the
institution to the Secretary, which includes--
``(I) total revenue received by the
institution from undergraduate and
graduate tuition and fees for the
second year preceding the year for
which it is applying for an allocation;
and
``(II) the institution's enrollment
for that second preceding year;
``(ii) standard living expenses equal to
150 percent of the difference between the
income protection allowance for a family of
five and the income protection allowance for a
family of six for a single independent student;
and
``(iii) books and supplies, in an amount
not exceeding $1,000, adjusted annually
thereafter in accordance with inflation as
determined by the Department of Labor's
Consumer Price Index for the previous calendar
year.
``(C) Graduate student need.--The term `graduate
student need' (except when used as part of the term
`institutional graduate student need') means, with
respect to a graduate or professional student for a
fiscal year, the lesser of the following:
``(i) The amount equal to (except the
amount computed by this clause shall not be
less than zero)--
``(I) the average cost of
attendance for the preceding fiscal
year, minus
``(II) the graduate or professional
student's student aid index (computed
in accordance with part F of this
title) for the preceding fiscal year.
``(ii) The maximum annual loan amount for a
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for a
graduate or professional student, as
applicable.
``(D) Undergraduate student need.--The term
`undergraduate student need' (except when used as part
of the term `institutional undergraduate student need')
means, with respect to an undergraduate student for a
fiscal year, the lesser of the following:
``(i) The total of the amount equal to
(except the amount computed by this clause
shall not be less than zero)--
``(I) the average cost of
attendance for the preceding fiscal
year, minus
``(II) the undergraduate student's
student aid index (computed in
accordance with part F of this title)
for the preceding fiscal year.
``(ii) The total of--
``(I) the maximum annual loan
amount of a Federal Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan applicable to such
undergraduate student; and
``(II) only in the case of a
student who receives a Federal Direct
Stafford Loan for such fiscal year, the
maximum annual loan amount of a Federal
Direct Stafford Loan applicable to such
undergraduate student.
``(e) Return of Surplus Allocated Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Except with respect to funds returned
under subsection (a)(3), if an institution returns to the
Secretary any portion of the sums allocated to the institution
under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall
reallot the excess, in the following award year, to
institutions that used at least 10 percent of the total amount
of funds granted to the institution under this section to
compensate students employed during a qualified period of
nonenrollment (as such term is defined in section 443(f)) on
the same basis as the basis on which fair share amounts are
determined under subsection (d).
``(2) Use of funds.--Each institution shall, to maximum
extent practicable, use funds received pursuant to this
subsection to compensate students employed in work-based
learning positions.
``(3) Retained funds.--
``(A) Amount returned.--If an institution returns
more than 10 percent of its allocation under paragraph
(1), the institution's allocation for the next fiscal
year shall be reduced by the amount returned.
``(B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive subparagraph
(A) for a specific institution if the Secretary finds
that enforcing that subparagraph would be contrary to
the interest of the program.
``(f) Filing Deadlines.--The Secretary may require applications
under this section, at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.''.
SEC. 4. GRANTS FOR FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS.
Section 443 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-53)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) provide that funds granted to an institution of
higher education pursuant to this section may be used only to
make payments to students participating in work-study programs,
except that an institution--
``(A) shall, beginning in fiscal year 2028--
``(i) use at least 3 percent of the total
amount of funds granted to the institution
under this section for that fiscal year to
compensate students who have exceptional need
(as defined in section 413C(c)(2)) and are
employed in a work-based learning position
during a qualified period of nonenrollment, as
defined in subsection (f);
``(ii) use at least 7 percent of the total
amount of funds granted to the institution
under this section for that fiscal year to
compensate students employed in work-based
learning positions; and
``(iii) use at least 7 percent of the total
amount of funds granted to the institution
under this section for that fiscal year to
compensate students employed in community
service, and shall ensure that not less than 1
tutoring or family literacy project (as
described in subsection (d)) is included in
meeting the requirement of this subparagraph,
except that the Secretary may waive a clause under this
subparagraph with respect to an institution if the
Secretary determines that enforcing that clause would
cause hardship for students at the institution; and
``(B) may--
``(i) use a portion of the sums granted to
it to meet administrative expenses in
accordance with section 489;
``(ii) use a portion of the sums granted to
it to meet the cost of a job location and
development program in accordance with section
446; and
``(iii) transfer funds in accordance with
section 488;'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``$300'' and inserting
``$500''; and
(ii) by inserting ``except as provided
under subsection (f),'' before ``provide'';
(C) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the Federal share shall equal 100 percent if
the institution is eligible for assistance under title
III or title V;'';
(D) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by inserting ``who demonstrate
exceptional need (as defined in section
413C(c)(2))'' after ``students''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and prioritize
employment for students who are currently
homeless individuals described in section 725
of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 11434a) or foster care youth'' after
``institution'';
(E) in paragraph (7), by striking ``vocational''
and inserting ``career'';
(F) in paragraph (8)(A)(i), by striking ``or
vocational goals'' and inserting ``career goals'';
(G) in paragraph (10), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(H) by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph
(15); and
(I) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following
new paragraphs:
``(11) provide an assurance that compensation of students
employed in the work-study program in accordance with the
agreement shall include reimbursement for reasonable travel
(not including the purchase or lease of a vehicle) directly
related to the work-study program;
``(12) provide an assurance that the institution will
administer and use feedback from the surveys required under
section 449A to improve the experiences of students employed in
the work-study program in accordance with the agreement;
``(13) provide an assurance that the institution will
collect data from students and employers so that the employment
made available from funds provided under this part will, to the
maximum extent practicable, complement and reinforce the
educational goals or career goals of each student receiving
assistance under this part;
``(14) provide an assurance that if the institution
receives funds under section 442(a)(1)(A), the institution
shall--
``(A) use the funds to compensate students employed
in the work-study program in accordance with the
agreement; and
``(B) prioritize the awarding of the funds (and
increasing the amount of each award) to students--
``(i) who demonstrate exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2)); and
``(ii) who are employed in work-based
learning opportunities through the work-study
program in accordance with the agreement;
and'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) provide that--
``(A) in the case of an institution that has not
received a waiver from the Secretary, such institution
will not use more than 25 percent of the funds made
available to such institution under this part for any
fiscal year for the operation of the program described
in paragraph (1); and
``(B) in the case of an institution that has
received a waiver from the Secretary, the institution
will not use more than 50 percent of the funds made
available to the institution under this part for any
fiscal year for the operation of the program described
in paragraph (1);'';
(B) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by inserting ``and complement and
reinforce the educational goals or career goals
of each student receiving assistance under this
part'' after ``academically relevant''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) provide an assurance that the compensation of
students employed in the work-study program in accordance with
the agreement shall include reimbursement for reasonable travel
(not including the purchase or lease of a vehicle) directly
related to such work-study program.'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) by striking ``In any academic year to which
subsection (b)(2)(A) applies, an institution shall
ensure that funds granted to such institution under
this section are used in accordance with such
subsection'' and inserting ``An institution may use the
funds granted to such institution under this section'';
and
(B) by striking ``travel'' and inserting
``reasonable travel (not including the purchase or
lease of a vehicle)''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Qualified Period of Nonenrollment.--
``(1) In general.--A student may be awarded work-study
employment during a qualified period of nonenrollment if--
``(A) the student demonstrates exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2)) in the award year prior
to the qualified period of nonenrollment;
``(B) the student is employed in a work-based
learning position; and
``(C) the employment--
``(i) involves less than 25 percent
administrative work; and
``(ii) is for at least 20 hours per week,
unless the institution waives that
requirement--
``(I) at the request of the
student; or
``(II) based on a finding by the
institution that the requirement
presents a hardship in finding a work-
based learning position for the
student.
``(2) Funds earned.--
``(A) In general.--Any funds earned by a student
(beyond standard living expenses (as such term is
described in section 413D(c)(3)(C))) during the
qualified period of nonenrollment less than or equal to
$2,500 may not be applied to the student's cost of
attendance for the next period in which the student is
enrolled.
``(B) Excess funds.--Any funds earned by a student
(beyond standard living expenses (as such term is
described in section 413D(c)(3)(C))) during the
qualified period of nonenrollment in excess of $2,500
shall be applied to the student's cost of attendance
for the next period in which the student is enrolled.
``(3) Definition of qualified period of nonenrollment.--In
this subsection, the term `qualified period of nonenrollment'
means, with respect to a student, a period of nonenrollment--
``(A) that occurs between a period of enrollment
and a period of anticipated enrollment; and
``(B) the duration of which is no longer than 6
months.
``(g) Cooperative Education.--
``(1) In general.--A student may be awarded work-study
employment for participation in cooperative education on--
``(A) a part-time basis; or
``(B) a full-time basis for a period equal to or
less than 6 months.
``(2) Private agreements for cooperative education.--As
part of its agreement described in subsection (b), an
institution of higher education may, at its option, enter into
an additional agreement with the Secretary that provides for
the operation by the institution of a program of cooperative
education of its students (on the basis described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)) by a private for-
profit organization under an agreement between the institution
and the organization that complies with subsection (c).
``(3) Full-time basis period.--The period specified in
paragraph (1)(B) may be non-consecutive and include
participation during qualified periods of nonenrollment (as
defined in subsection (f)(3)).
``(4) Cooperative education defined.--In this subsection,
the term `cooperative education' means a program of alternating
or parallel periods of academic study and work-based learning
designed to give students work experiences related to their
academic or career objectives.
``(h) Notification Regarding SNAP.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Notification.--An institution receiving a
grant under this part shall notify (by email or other
electronic means) each eligible student of their
potential eligibility for participation in the
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011
et seq.) and the process for obtaining more
information, confirming eligibility, and accessing
benefits under that program.
``(B) Development.--The notice under this paragraph
shall be developed by the Secretary in consultation
with the Secretary of Agriculture, and shall include
details on eligibility requirements for participation
in SNAP that a student must satisfy.
``(C) Requirements.--The notice under this
paragraph shall, to the extent practicable, be specific
to the student's State of residence and shall provide
contact information for the local office where an
application for SNAP may be made.
``(2) Evidence of participation in federally financed work-
study program.--The notice under paragraph (1) shall include an
official document notifying the recipient that they are
potentially an eligible student sufficient for purposes of
demonstrating that the exclusion from ineligibility for
participation in the SNAP under section 6(e)(4) of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015(e)(4)) applies to the
student.
``(3) Guidance.--The Secretary of Education, in
consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall provide
guidance to States and institutions of higher education on how
to identify and communicate with students who are likely to be
eligible for the SNAP, including those eligible for a State or
federally financed work-study program.
``(4) Definitions.--As used in this subsection, the term
`eligible student' means a student receiving work-study
assistance under this part.''.
SEC. 5. FLEXIBLE USE OF FUNDS.
Section 445 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-55)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) In addition to the carry-over sums authorized under
paragraph (1), an institution may permit a student who
completed the previous award period to continue to earn
unearned portions of the student's work-study award from that
previous period if--
``(A) any reduction in the student's need on which
the award was based is accounted for in the remaining
portion; and
``(B) the student is currently employed in a work-
based learning position.''; and
(2) by striking ``10 percent'' both places it appears and
inserting ``20 percent''.
SEC. 6. JOB LOCATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
Section 446 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-56)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``10 percent or
$75,000'' and inserting ``20 percent or $150,000''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``vocational''
and inserting ``career''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2);
(B) by inserting before paragraph (3) the
following:
``(1) provide satisfactory assurance that the institution
will prioritize placing students with exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2)) and Federal work-study
recipients in jobs located and developed under this section;
and
``(2) provide satisfactory assurances that the funds
available under this section will be used to locate and develop
work-based learning positions;''; and
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking the period and
inserting ``, including--
``(A) the number of students employed in work-based
learning positions through the program;
``(B) the number of students demonstrating
exceptional need (as defined in section 413C(c)(2)) who
are Federal work-study recipients employed through the
program; and
``(C) the number of students demonstrating
exceptional need (as defined in section 413C(c)(2)) who
are Federal work-study recipients employed in work-
based learning positions through the program.''.
SEC. 7. COMMUNITY SERVICE.
Section 447 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-57)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 447. ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO CONDUCT COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK-STUDY
PROGRAMS.
``Each institution participating under this part may use up to 10
percent of the funds made available under section 489(a) and
attributable to the amount of the institution's expenditures under this
part to conduct that institution's program of community service-
learning, including--
``(1) development of mechanisms to ensure the academic
quality of the student experience;
``(2) ensuring student access to educational resources,
expertise, and supervision necessary to achieve community
service objectives;
``(3) ensuring, to the maximum extent practicable, that the
community service-learning program will support the educational
goals or career goals of students participating in the program;
``(4) collaboration with public and private nonprofit
agencies, and programs assisted under the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 in the planning, development, and
administration of those programs; and
``(5) recruiting and compensating students for community
service-learning (including compensation for time spent in
training and for reasonable travel (not including the purchase
or lease of a vehicle) directly related to the community
service).''.
SEC. 8. AMENDMENTS TO WORK COLLEGES.
Section 448 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087-58)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``student'' after
``comprehensive'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(D), by inserting ``student'' after
``comprehensive'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``Each eligible institution'' and
inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--Each eligible institution''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Application dates.--The Secretary shall require an
eligible institution that submits an application under this
section for the first time to submit the application at least 5
months prior to the application due date for returning
applicants.''; and
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) is accredited by an accrediting agency or
association recognized by the Secretary pursuant to
part H, has operated a work-study program under this
part for at least the 2 years preceding the date of the
determination, and has operated a comprehensive student
work-learning-service program for at least the 2 years
preceding the date of the determination;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting
``student'' after ``comprehensive''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting
``student'' after ``comprehensive''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A)
through (F) as subparagraphs (B) through (G),
respectively; and
(ii) by inserting before subparagraph (B),
as redesignated by clause (i), the following:
``(A) is a 4-year, degree-granting program;''.
SEC. 9. PILOT GRANT PROGRAM.
Part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087-51 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
``SEC. 449. WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES PILOT GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a program
to provide grants to eligible institutions participating under
this part to establish or expand a program to develop work-
based learning positions.
``(2) Limitations.--
``(A) Duration.--A grant awarded under this section
shall be for a period of not more than 4 years, but may
be renewed by the Secretary for a period of 2 years.
``(B) Amount.--A grant under this section may not
be in an amount greater than $1,000,000.
``(b) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this section
an eligible institution participating under this part shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a
plan that describes how the eligible institution will establish or
expand a program to develop work-based learning positions that will--
``(1) benefit students who demonstrate exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2));
``(2) identify in-demand industry sectors and occupations
(as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) and as determined by the
Bureau of Labor and Statistics, State departments of labor, and
local boards (as defined in such section 3)) and develop
partnerships with high-demand employers (including nonprofit
organizations, joint labor-management organizations, for-profit
firms, or public agencies);
``(3) involve participating employers in evaluating and
improving the program;
``(4) track and report academic and employment outcomes for
participating students; and
``(5) be able to continue after the end of the grant term.
``(c) Use of Funds.--Institutions receiving grant funds awarded
under this program shall use these funds to pay wages for students
participating under this program and develop work-based learning
positions that--
``(1) are for a period of at least 12 weeks;
``(2) serve students who demonstrate exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2));
``(3) limit administrative work to no more than 25 percent
of the position;
``(4) provide a minimum of 15 hours of work per week during
periods of enrollment and 30 hours per week during periods of
nonenrollment, except that this requirement may be waived by
the institution in consultation with a student;
``(5) include career coaching from participating employers
(including mock interviews, resume writing assistance, career
exploration, and counseling on applying for and obtaining
employment); and
``(6) provide participating students with opportunities to
meet with employers in fields or industries related to those of
participating employers.
``(d) Report.--On a date that is before the date on which the
period of the grant received by an eligible institution under this
section terminates, the institution shall submit a report to the
Secretary including--
``(1) the completion rate (as described under section
442(a)(1)(C)) with respect to students participating in work-
based learning positions under the pilot program; and
``(2) the results of the work-based learning opportunities
program for which the institution received the grant,
including--
``(A) participating students' satisfaction with the
program as reported in surveys under section 449A;
``(B) the types of jobs in which participating
students were employed and the types of duties
performed in those jobs;
``(C) the academic programs of the participating
students;
``(D) the share of participating students who
worked at another job, in addition to the one under the
pilot program;
``(E) the percentage of participating students who,
during the second quarter after completing their
academic program, are in education or training
activities or unsubsidized employment;
``(F) the percentage of participating students
employed in in-demand industry sectors or occupations
as described in subsection (b)(2) within 2 quarters of
completing their academic programs; and
``(G) other items as deemed relevant by the
Secretary.
``(e) Reservation of Funding for Such Program.--From the amount
appropriated under section 441(b) for a fiscal year and remaining after
the Secretary reserves funds under section 442(a)(1), the Secretary
shall reserve $30,000,000 to make grants under this section.''.
SEC. 10. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES.
Part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087-51 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
``SEC. 449A. DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES.
``(a) Surveys.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall develop, in consultation
with work-study administrators from institutions of higher education,
participating employers, and participating students--
``(1) a consumer-tested electronic survey for students
awarded work-study employment under the Federal work-study
program under this part that--
``(A) measures each student's satisfaction with the
Federal work-study program, including--
``(i) any complaints the student has with
respect to the program;
``(ii) the amount and quality of the on-
the-job training the student received;
``(iii) the amount and quality of on-the-
job supervision and employer feedback the
student received;
``(iv) the amount and quality of
information provided by the institution about
the work-study program and job opportunities
and the availability of work-study staff at the
institution;
``(v) the quality of the assistance
provided by the institution to the student in
finding a work-study job and the availability
of types of jobs; and
``(vi) the student's overall satisfaction
with the work-study program;
``(B) measures the applicability of work-study
employment to the educational goals and career goals of
each student;
``(C) elicits an assessment by each student of the
capacity to manage time between work-study employment
and coursework;
``(D) measures, with respect to the program--
``(i) the award amounts under the program;
``(ii) the average number of hours students
worked per week, and the wages received for
that work;
``(iii) the number of on campus jobs and
off campus jobs;
``(iv) how students located work-study
positions;
``(v) the work performed at each job;
``(vi) whether students worked additional
jobs while employed in a work-study job (and
the reason for any additional job);
``(vii) whether the work-study employment
had an impact on the student's academic
performance; and
``(viii) the voluntarily disclosed
demographics of students awarded work-study
employment; and
``(E) includes such information as the Secretary
may require;
``(2) a consumer-tested electronic survey for employers of
students described in paragraph (1) that--
``(A) measures each employer's satisfaction with
the Federal work-study program, including--
``(i) the extent to which the employer is
satisfied with its ability to accommodate
students' schedules;
``(ii) the extent to which student-
employees are prepared for the duties
advertised for the job; and
``(iii) the extent to which the employer is
satisfied with opportunities to make
recommendations for improving institutions'
academic programs;
``(B) elicits an assessment by each such employer
of--
``(i) any complaints the employer had with
respect to the program;
``(ii) any skills or knowledge necessary
for the job that student-employees are lacking;
and
``(iii) the extent of outreach from
institutions to the employer; and
``(C) includes such information as the Secretary
may require; and
``(3) a consumer-tested electronic survey that, not less
than once every 4 years, with respect to each institution of
higher education participating in the Federal work-study
program, measures--
``(A) methods used to recruit on-campus and off-
campus employers;
``(B) if an institution operates a job location
development program--
``(i) the share of jobs filled on-campus
and off-campus;
``(ii) the share of jobs filled by--
``(I) work-study recipients; and
``(II) students who demonstrate
exceptional need (as defined in section
413C(c)(2));
``(iii) the primary factors considered in
matching work-study students and jobs;
``(iv) the share of students employed in
work-based learning opportunities; and
``(v) the share of students employed during
qualified periods of nonenrollment, including
the share of students with exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2)) employed during
qualified periods of nonenrollment;
``(C) the institution's Federal and non-Federal
contributions toward work-study wages;
``(D) the primary factors considered in awarding
students work-study and in determining the amount of
the award;
``(E) the acceptance rate among students who were
offered work-study aid; and
``(F) other information the Secretary may require.
``(b) Results.--The Secretary shall develop an online portal--
``(1) for students, employers, and institutions of higher
education to access the surveys required under subsection (a);
and
``(2) to compile the results of those surveys.
``(c) Report.--Not less than once every 4 years after the date of
the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to
Congress that includes--
``(1) the data collected under this section (redacted for
personal information);
``(2) with respect to students employed in work-study
through the Federal work-study program--
``(A) the types of jobs the students participated
in;
``(B) the average hours worked per week;
``(C) the average award amount;
``(D) the average wage rates;
``(E) the extent to which students enter employment
with skills and knowledge gained from work-study
participation that have prepared them for the job; and
``(F) the students' satisfaction with the program
and primary complaints;
``(3) the extent to which institutions conduct outreach to
employers and engage them in discussions on improving academic
programs;
``(4) the extent to which institutions conduct outreach to
students and make jobs readily available;
``(5) the extent to which the work-study employment aligns
with students' academic programs or career goals;
``(6) the employers' satisfaction with the program and
primary complaints; and
``(7) recommendations for improving the program.
``(d) Consultation.--
``(1) In general.--In consulting with the entities
described in subsection (a) to create the electronic surveys
required under that subsection, the Secretary shall engage
with--
``(A) a representative sample of institutions of
higher education participating in the Federal work-
study program;
``(B) a representative sample of employers
participating in the Federal work-study program; and
``(C) a representative sample of students
participating in the Federal work-study program.
``(2) Response rate.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) consult with a survey consultant to develop a
target response rate with respect to the electronic
surveys required under subsection (a); and
``(B) provide guidance to institution with respect
to the developed target response rate.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary shall--
``(1) provide technical assistance to institutions
participating under the Federal work-study program under this
part to--
``(A) comply with the amendments made by the
Opportunities for Success Act of 2025 and the
regulations issued pursuant to those amendments;
``(B) administer the surveys described in
subsection (a) to students and employers participating
in the Federal work-study program; and
``(C) ensure that Federal work-study positions
align with students' educational goals or career goals
to the maximum extent practicable; and
``(2) issue guidance and provide technical assistance to
institutions to support improved partnerships and coordination
among financial aid, career services, and academic advisors to
administer the Federal work-study program.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out subsections (a), (b), and (c).''.
SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001 et seq.) by sections 1 through 10 of this Act shall take effect on
October 1, 2026, and shall be effective for fiscal years beginning on
and after such date.
SEC. 12. STUDY AND REPORT.
(a) Study.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a
study on best practices for assisting students participating in the
Federal work-study program under part C of title IV of the Higher
Education Act (42 U.S.C. 1087-51 et seq.) with--
(1) connecting to off-campus employers;
(2) procuring work-based learning opportunities through the
program;
(3) procuring employment that aligns with students'
educational goals or career goals;
(4) locating employment through job location and
development programs;
(5) procuring employment in in-demand industry sectors or
occupations (as defined in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102));
(6) balancing employment with academic programs to improve
graduation and completion rates; and
(7) with respect to students with exceptional need (as
defined in section 413C(c)(2) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b-2(c)(2)))--
(A) locating and coordinating work-study employment
during qualified periods of nonenrollment;
(B) increasing participation in the work-study
program; and
(C) limiting the need for additional employment
outside the work-study program.
(b) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
to Congress, and make available to the public on the website of the
Government Accountability Office, a report summarizing the findings of
the study required under subsection (a).
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
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