Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Tina Smith
Introduced
Summary
Expands campus-based construction and manufacturing apprenticeships through targeted grants. This bill would create two grant programs to help apprenticeship colleges recruit students and deliver advising and support so more people enroll in and complete industry-focused apprenticeships.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Outreach Grants for Apprenticeships
If enacted, the bill would create a Community Outreach Grant Program at the Department of Education, with the Department of Labor consulted. The program would be authorized at $5 million per year for each of FY2026 through FY2030. Grants to a single eligible college would be limited to $500,000. Grants could pay for outreach to high schools, local employers (especially in rural, exurban, and suburban areas), workforce boards, and apprenticeship intermediaries. The Department would give priority to outreach aimed at rural, first‑generation, minority, nontraditional, and other underrepresented students.
Student Support Grants for Apprentices
If enacted, the bill would create a Student Support Grant Program at the Department of Education, with the Department of Labor consulted. The program would be authorized at $5 million per year for each of FY2026 through FY2030. Grants to a single eligible college would be capped at $500,000, and a college may get both outreach and support grants. Grants could pay for expanded academic and career advising, ESL support, mentoring, information systems, mental health and substance use counseling, childcare support, and other services to help apprentices stay and finish. Grant recipients would have to report results and participation to the Secretary within 180 days after grant activities end.
Which Colleges Qualify for Grants
If enacted, the bill would define which colleges and apprenticeship programs can get the grants. A qualifying apprenticeship must teach construction or manufacturing skills (for example, painters, drywall finishers, glaziers, glassworkers). The program must lead to a recognized postsecondary credential or award credits toward one, and be accredited by a nationally recognized agency under Part H of Title IV. The bill would also define eligible institutions, clarify that "second language" includes Braille and American Sign Language, and define underrepresented populations by groups not traditionally represented in apprenticeships.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Tina Smith
MN • D
Cosponsors
Steve Daines
MT • R
Sponsored 6/11/2025
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 6/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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