ED IES - Evaluation of Workforce Pell Grants - MRAS

The U.S. Department of Education, through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), is undertaking a significant initiative to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of Pell Grants for eligible workforce programs. This effort is supported by the General Services Administration (GSA), which is conducting market research to identify potential contractors with the expertise needed for this evaluation. The primary goal of this project is to assess how these grants are being utilized within short-term certificate programs in high-demand industries, and ultimately, how they affect student outcomes and meet labor market needs.

The evaluation focuses on Federal Pell Grants that have been expanded under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). This expansion allows students enrolled in short-term certificate programs such as Emergency Medical Technology, Nursing Assistance, Automotive Mechanics Technology, Welding Technology, Electrical Supply/Installation, Fire Safety Technologies, and Computer Science to receive financial support. The intent behind this policy shift is to facilitate quick entry into vital industries by equipping displaced workers with necessary skills through accessible education pathways.

To achieve these objectives, IES's National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE) requires comprehensive program evaluation services. These services will include rigorous data collection and analysis to understand how institutions establish qualifying programs and measure the grants' impact on students' educational and career outcomes. By building evidence on "what works" in higher education settings, this evaluation aims to inform future policy decisions regarding federal educational funding.

This initiative reflects a broader commitment by IES under its authorizing legislation Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 to support education research that leads to improved student outcomes and disseminates findings widely. Additionally, it aligns with provisions from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 that empower the U.S. Secretary of Education to allocate funds specifically for evaluating Higher Education Act programs. Through these efforts, the Department seeks not only accountability but also insights that can drive enhancements in educational strategies across various sectors.