December 11, 2025
Ms. Bonamici (for herself and Ms. Adams) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize the Federal work-study program, and for other purposes.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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).