Legislation stems from Congressman’s college affordability listening tour

WILMINGTON — Congressman John Carney (D-DE) last week introduced H.R. 5567, the Education and Workforce Training Innovation Act, which would provide federal resources to technical schools and community colleges that are building innovative pathways for students to compete in the new “blue tech” economy.

The legislation is the third in a series of bills the Congressman is unveiling that are the product of his year-long effort to address the rising cost of college and challenges facing recent graduates, and in particular, the “skills gap.” Over the past three decades, college costs have gone up 570 percent. They’ve increased at four times the median household income, and twice as fast as health care costs.   Total U.S. student loan debt recently topped $1 trillion, which surpassed the total owed on both auto loans and credit card debt.

Across America employers are struggling to find the right talent, skills, and educational background to meet demand and move their businesses and the American economy forward. The Congressman’s bill will create two pilot programs: the Community Workforce Training Grants Pilot Program and the Financing a Skilled 21st Century Workforce Bonds Pilot Program.  The first will direct $50 million toward technical schools and community colleges who work hand in hand with blue tech industries to develop collaborative training and work education programs. The second will utilize a pay-for-performance model that incentivizes private investors to come up with innovative ways to help close the skills gap and increase the number of completed apprenticeships and technical certifications.

“I’ve heard from employers across the state that manufacturers need highly-skilled, trained workers to compete in the global economy,” said Congressman Carney. “Our young people have what it takes to be those workers, but they need the proper education and training to help further their careers and move America forward. These programs will help close the skills gap -- giving our students more dependable, well-paying job prospects after graduation.”

Beginning last summer, Congressman Carney embarked on a comprehensive effort to understand the factors behind the rising cost of higher education and to explore options for increasing access to higher education. The Congressman hosted a roundtable discussion with Delaware parents, guidance counselors, and a college financial aid counselor to gain insight into the current financial aid system.  He also hosted a telephone town hall meeting with more than 4,000 Delawareans to learn about their experiences and challenges surrounding the cost of higher education and access to post-secondary training. The Congressman hosted additional discussions with current college students, recent graduates, and a credit counselor to better understand the challenges young people with student loan debt face. He also spoke extensively with administrators from the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical & Community College, Wilmington University, Wesley College, and Goldey-Beacom College. 

Click here to read more about the Education and Workforce Training Innovation Act.

 

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