Congressman Mike Kennedy introduced the Transforming Education through College and Hands-On Training Act, known as the TECH Act, on Mar. 30 to expand federal grant eligibility for qualified technical schools without increasing taxpayer costs. Senator John Curtis and Congressman Burgess Owens are co-leading the legislation.
The proposed bill aims to address workforce needs by allowing technical colleges access to four existing federal grant programs that are currently limited to two- and four-year institutions.
“I spent years in school, first training to be a doctor, then to be a lawyer, and I have eight kids who are at various stages of figuring out their own paths forward. I know firsthand just how much we’ve built our entire system around the assumption that a four-year university degree is the only road worth taking. But I can tell you that assumption is failing America,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “We need skilled nurses, trained technicians, and qualified tradespeople just as badly as we need lawyers and doctors — maybe more so right now. The TECH Act is about making sure that choosing a different path doesn’t mean getting less support. America needs every one of these students to succeed.”
Senator Curtis said: “Millions of Americans are choosing short-term, hands-on training to build real skills for in-demand careers, yet outdated federal policies have left these programs behind. Our commonsense, cost-neutral legislation will align our education system with the realities of today’s workforce—closing skills gaps and expanding opportunities for Americans ready to get to work.”
Congressman Owens also commented: “America was built by people who learned a trade, mastered a skill, and went to work. For too long, the federal government has locked qualified technical schools out of grant programs that most other institutions of higher education can access.” He added: “With growing gaps in our workforce, it’s time that we rethink our approach to education. The TECH Act opens the door for resources to get where they’re needed — the programs that are filling our workforce gap and preparing students for real-world, high-demand job”
Brian Weight, President of Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech), thanked Congressman Kennedy for his leadership on this issue: “By opening access to key federal grant programs historically limited to 2- and 4-year institutions, this bill recognizes the essential role technical colleges play in preparing students for high-need fields. It will enable us to expand short-term industry-aligned training, strengthen employer partnerships, and connect more Utah students to in-demand careers.”
Dixie Technical College President Jordan Rushton said: “Technical colleges and universities are partners in higher education,” adding “When we both have the resources we need more students succeed. The TECH Act helps make that possible.”
The legislation requires updates from both Education and Labor Departments within six months after enactment regarding eligibility criteria and application procedures for these grants.
