Introduced JOBS Act Expands Pell Eligibility

Introduced JOBS Act Expands Pell Eligibility

by | Feb 12, 2025 | Policy

The newest iteration of the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act was introduced on February 4th by Senators Kaine, Collins, Smith and Marshall. Currently, Pell Grants can only be used for traditional two and four-year college programs. This expansion would allow students to use these grants for quality training programs that are at least 8 weeks long and lead to industry-recognized credentials.

Key aspects of the proposed changes:

  • Programs must be at least 150 clock hours over 8+ weeks
  • Training must align with local workforce needs
  • Programs must provide credentials recognized by employers
  • Credits can transfer toward further education

This expansion could help address the current skilled labor shortage while making career training more accessible to students who need financial assistance. “This bill is good for workers, good for employers, and good for our economy as a whole” said Senator Tim Kaine.

The Policy Path Ahead

The Policy Path Ahead

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Policy, Video

The Policy Path Ahead

Why it matters:

The Presidents Forum’s 2025 policy agenda is built on five core commitments that aim to modernize higher education for today’s students.

The big picture:

Our five commitments prioritize:

  • Students First: Measuring policies by student outcomes
  • Accountable Innovation: Advancing competency-based education
  • Empowering Working Learners: Creating flexible pathways
  • Access for All: Removing educational barriers
  • Parity Across Modalities: Equal standards for all learning formats
February Update

February Update

by | Feb 4, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Policy, Uncategorized, Video

February Update

The February update focuses on High Social Value Education and key policy updates, emphasizing both individual success and community impact in higher education.

The big picture:

Presidents Forum is expanding its influence through:

  • New partnerships
  • Policy agenda development
  • Engagement with Department of Education leadership

Coming up:

  • Linda McMahon’s Education Secretary confirmation hearings (mid-February). Senate vote expected by early March
  • DC meeting on March 24-25
The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

by | Jan 23, 2025 | Policy, Video

The Future of Higher Ed Regulation

Big picture:

A panel of higher education experts discussed recent changes in Department of Education regulations, particularly focusing on negotiated rulemaking and distance learning oversight.

Key panelists:

  • Phil Hill – Ed tech expert and reporter
  • Scott Pulsipher – Western Governors University president
  • Mark Milliron – National University president

Key takeaways:

  • “Whiplash” effect: The Department’s sudden shift in December marked an unprecedented change in their approach to regulation
  • Process concerns: Panelists agreed that earlier engagement with higher education institutions could have prevented unintended consequences
  • Modern learner focus: Regulations need to account for today’s diverse student population, including working adults and lifelong learners

January CHIPS Update

January CHIPS Update

by | Jan 16, 2025 | Innovation, Policy

Cameron Mortenson, Policy Director

The Department of Commerce officially finalized its agreement with Natcast to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). Over the next 10 years, NSTC will execute on its strategic plan to:

  1. Extend U.S. technology leadership
  2. Reduce the time and cost to prototype
  3. Build and sustain a semiconductor workforce ecosystem

Through another announcement this week, the Department of Commerce announced $1.4 billion in funding to establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor advanced packaging and manufacturing. The funding announcement includes $1.1 Billion to the Natcast operated NSTC Prototyping and NAPMP Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility in Tempe, Arizona. The announcement also includes $300 Million for advanced substrates and research to the following organizations:

  • Absolics Inc – $100 Million to help build a glass-core packaging ecosystem.
  • Applied Materials Inc – $100 Million to develop and scale a disruptive silicon-core substrate technology for next-generation advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration.
  • Arizona State University – $100 Million to support the development of the next generation of microelectronics packaging through fan-out-wafer-level-processing (FOWLP)

The Presidents Forum has been actively monitoring and engaging with CHIPS Act developments since its inception. Through regular updates and discussions, the Forum continues to track these transformative investments in American semiconductor capabilities, recognizing their critical importance to U.S. technological leadership and economic competitiveness.

Notice of Policy Working Group

Notice of Policy Working Group

by | Jan 9, 2025 | Policy

The Presidents Forum has taken a significant step forward in shaping higher education policy by convening a diverse working group of policy experts from its member institutions. This collaborative effort brings together experienced professionals from various colleges and universities to develop a comprehensive 2025 public policy agenda. The group’s primary focus is to address the evolving landscape of higher education and provide actionable recommendations for the incoming presidential administration.

Through a series of structured discussions and analysis sessions, the working group has identified key areas requiring attention, including data reform, a focus on student outcomes, and mode and method regulatory parity. These policy experts are leveraging their collective expertise to craft proposals that balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that higher education remains both cutting-edge and accessible.

The working group’s efforts will culminate in a detailed policy document that outlines specific recommendations for the incoming administration. These recommendations aim to strengthen the foundation of higher education while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.