SHRM Responds to Notice on Workforce Pell and AHEAD Committee

SHRM has responded to a July 25 Federal Register notice issued by the U.S. Department of Education. This notice announced the intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee — called AHEAD (Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell) — to consider changes to institutional and programmatic accountability in the Pell Grant program.

SHRM’s detailed advocates for expanding Pell Grant eligibility to encompass workforce-focused, short-term credentialing programs. The letter also emphasizes the importance of aligning Pell-eligible programs with real-world employer and workforce needs, utilizing state-level labor market data to guide program approval. SHRM highlights its E² Initiative (employment-to-education) as an example of effective collaboration between employers, educators, and policymakers to address talent pipeline challenges. It also cautions against excessive administrative complexity, stressing the necessity of transparent and efficient processes to facilitate broad institutional participation and rapid student access. It also cautions against excessive administrative complexity, stressing the necessity of transparent and efficient processes to facilitate broad institutional participation and rapid student access.

Furthermore, SHRM underscores the potential for Workforce Pell to support apprenticeships and work-based learning, urging the Department of Education to clarify how Pell funds can be used for costs associated with Registered Apprenticeship programs. Finally, SHRM recommends robust coordination between the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, particularly in relation to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Eligible Training Provider List, to ensure quality standards and responsiveness to labor market needs.