Rep. Mike Kennedy introduces the TECH Act to Level the Playing Field for Technical Colleges

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) introduced the Transforming Education through College and Hands-On Training Act, the TECH Act, to level the playing field for qualified technical schools by expanding their eligibility for four existing federal grant programs, at no new cost to taxpayers. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) and Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) are co-leading this legislation.

"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."

"Millions of Americans are choosing short-term, hands-on training to build real skills for in-demand careers, yet outdated federal policies have left these programs behind," said Sen. John Curtis . "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."

"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," said Congressman Burgess Owens. "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 to where they're needed - the programs that are filling our workforce gap and preparing students for real-world, high-demand job"

"On behalf of Uintah Basin Technical College (UBTech), we thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership in introducing the TECH Act ," said President of Uintah Basin Technical College, Brian Weight. "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."

"Technical colleges and universities are partners in higher education," said Dixie Technical College President, Jordan Rushton. "When we both have the resources we need, more students succeed. The TECH Act helps make that possible."

Background:

• Millions of Americans pursue short-term technical training programs to build career-ready skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and national security
• Current federal law restricts eligibility for major grant programs to two- and four-year institutions of higher education - leaving qualified technical colleges entirely locked out
• This gap forces technical schools to compete for students and resources without access to the same federal support available to traditional colleges and universities

The TECH Act:

• Grants qualified technical schools equal eligibility to participate in four existing federal grant programs - at no new cost to taxpayers
• The four programs opened up are: the Strengthening Institutions Program, the Federal TRIO Program, the CCAMPIS Program, and the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants
• Requires the Secretaries of Education and Labor to update eligibility criteria and application procedures within 180 days of enactment
• Directs agencies to issue guidance on how grants should be distributed to ensure an adequate workforce pipeline in critical sectors

Read the 1 pager here.

Read the full bill text here .