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119-hr-1409119th CongressWALLET

College Thriving Act

Sponsored By: Representative Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

Introduced

Summary

Skills-for-success courses for first-year students would be funded through competitive federal grants to colleges so every incoming student can take a low‑ratio, pass‑fail course on campus navigation, wellbeing, and academic skills. The program targets institutions that serve large shares of low‑income students and supports a five‑year planning, pilot, and full‑implementation process.

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  • First‑year students and families: Students would get an early, low‑pressure course covering time management, mental wellbeing, campus resources, goal setting, and relationship skills so they start college with practical supports.
  • Low‑income students and high‑need campuses: Grants would prioritize colleges where at least 50% of students received a Federal Pell Grant, directing resources to institutions serving more low‑income students.
  • Colleges and staff: Awardees receive five‑year grants to prepare, pilot, and fully implement the course, must evaluate results, and can request technical assistance from the Secretary of Education.

*Would authorize $50.0 million in federal grants to run this program, increasing federal outlays for these awards.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants to build first-year college courses

The bill would create competitive 5-year grants for colleges. The grants would build a first-term "skills for success" course for all first-year students. Colleges must meet Higher Education Act rules to apply, and schools with at least 50% Pell-eligible students would get priority. Year 1 prepares; Year 2 pilots and tests; Years 3–5 roll out, improve, and evaluate the course. Courses would be small-class and not graded or pass/fail, covering campus resources, mental wellbeing, time management, coping with setbacks, and healthy relationships; colleges could get technical help and must file a 5-year report.

Authorizes $50 million for college success grants

The bill would authorize $50 million for these grants. The money would stay available until spent and would support course development, pilots, and full rollout. This is only an authorization; Congress would still need to appropriate funds before grants are paid.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

NC • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 2/21/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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