The Pathways to Prosperity Act establishes a new federal grant program through the Department of Education to fund workforce development initiatives at community colleges, with grants awarded competitively to institutions that establish or expand high-quality job training programs in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand fields. Priority will be given to programs serving low-income individuals and rural areas, and grant recipients must partner with employers, provide career services and work-based learning opportunities, and track employment outcomes. Funds can support program development, student services, and equipment purchases, with administrative costs capped at 7 percent of awarded grants, while institutions must meet Secretary-determined performance targets for completion rates and job advancement. The bill requires annual performance reviews with technical assistance for underperforming institutions and mandates a comprehensive evaluation within four years, with results published publicly by the Department of Labor. This bipartisan legislation amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create new accountability structures ensuring that grant funds supplement rather than replace existing education funding.
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