‘Jobs Act’: Bipartisan bill could make ‘world of difference’ for students, tech school says

Posted by author February 6, 2025 Jobs

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SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) – A Kansas U.S. senator is helping to introduce a bipartisan bill with a simple goal: helping more people get better-paying jobs. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, are behind the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students or “JOBS” Act.

On Thursday, 12 News spoke with Salina Area Technical College Are Technical College about what this could mean for technical students. The JOBS Act intends to help students find higher-paying jobs by allowing them to use federal Pell grants for shorter-term job training programs.

“The JOBS Act will provide an incredible opportunity for students in an ever-changing job market,” Senator Marshall said. “Our legislation will give Americans the chance to learn critical skills for a successful career. I look forward to getting the JOBS Act across the finish line with my colleagues.”

It’s something that Salina Area Technical College President Greg Nichols said can make a world of difference.

“A lot of people get turned away because that cost is prohibitive, they can’t afford the cost of the education but they also can’t afford to not work,” Nichols explained. “Having the Pell grant, having the access that is really game-changing for everyone.”

Pell grants are “need-based education grants” that can typically be used for two-year and four-year college universities and over 15-week courses. Programs at Salina Tech, like EMT, truck driving and CNA training will now be eligible.

“Its a stairstep. When you get access to something that allows you to grow and expand your knowledge and skills, then you have more doors open to you the further you go,” Nichols said. “That’s what this will allow people to do, but if you can’t access that first step, you’ll never get to be able to become a nurse or a leader in your industry.”

Under the JOBS Act, a Pell grant could be used to cover job training programs that are at least eight weeks long and lead to industry-recognized credentials or certificates.