An experimental Pell Grant awarded to students in short-term workforce training programs helped increase enrollment and completion rates, but it did not strengthen their outcomes in the job market, according to a federal report.
The study, headed by the Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences, analyzed how un- or underemployed adult learners fared in higher education and beyond if offered federal aid for short-term credentials in high-demand fields. The first experiment focused on year-long programs pursued by bachelor’s holding students. The second pilot studied credentials programs lasting eight to 15 weeks.
Forty-six postsecondary schools participated, most of which were public two-year colleges located in the Southeast.
Here’s where short-term Pell Grant students underperformed against those not offered experimental federal aid.
- There was no significant difference in employment rates or wages about six years after being randomly assigned to the study.
- Students bolstered with federal aid to enroll in high-demand fields did not fare better in the job market than those pursuing other industries.
- Just as likely to use federal loans. This money most likely covered additional costs such as books, tuition, fees and living expenses, the report suggested.
It’s also important to note that the report did not find any significant difference in these findings across students’ socio-economic backgrounds.
How will this affect policy?
Policymakers have been vying to expand the Pell Grant to short-term workforce training programs for at least a decade. Two separate bills introduced last year by House and Senate Republicans proposing federal aid for eight- to 15-week courses have since stalled. However, Linda McMahon, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Department of Education, recently wrote an op-ed in The Hill championing Pell expansion to workforce training programs to, “help more Americans access the education they need to succeed in today’s economy.”
Regardless of federal support, states like Virginia, Louisana and Virginia have introduced their own financial aid programs for short-term workforce training programs.
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