No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3359 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3359
To increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by
accelerating time to degree, aligning secondary and postsecondary
education, and improving postsecondary credit transfer.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 4, 2025
Ms. Hassan (for herself and Mr. Young) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To increase rates of college completion and reduce college costs by
accelerating time to degree, aligning secondary and postsecondary
education, and improving postsecondary credit transfer.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fast Track To and Through College
Act''.
SEC. 2. ACCELERATING TIME TO DEGREE.
(a) In General.--Part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparts 5, 6, and 7, as subparts 6,
7, and 8, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subpart 4 the following:
``Subpart 5--Accelerating Time to Degree
``SEC. 416A. PURPOSE.
``The purpose of this subpart is to increase rates of college
completion and reduce college costs by accelerating time to degree,
aligning secondary and postsecondary education, and improving
postsecondary credit transfer.
``SEC. 416B. DEFINITIONS.
``In this subpart:
``(1) Advanced coursework.--The term `advanced coursework'
means coursework designed for students to earn postsecondary
credit upon its successful completion while still in high
school, such as coursework associated with Advanced Placement,
International Baccalaureate, a dual or concurrent enrollment
program, and an early college high school program.
``(2) Career and technical education.--The term `career and
technical education' has the meaning given the term in section
3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006.
``(3) Dual or concurrent enrollment program.--The term
`dual or concurrent enrollment program' has the meaning given
the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965.
``(4) Early college fast track pathway.--The term `early
college fast track pathway' means a sequence of dual or
concurrent enrollment program courses, Advanced Placement
courses, International Baccalaureate courses, or other advanced
coursework or assessments approved by the eligible entity taken
at any point during high school that--
``(A) when taken together, constitute a typical
first year of study toward an associate degree or
baccalaureate degree, or, in the case of postsecondary
credit in career and technical education earned through
dual or concurrent enrollment program course sequences,
the first year of study toward a recognized
postsecondary credential for a high-skill, high-wage,
or in-demand industry sector or occupation; and
``(B) if completed successfully, results in credit
that--
``(i) is equivalent to the academic
workload of not less than 2 semesters of full-
time postsecondary enrollment;
``(ii) satisfies requirements for the
State's regular high school diploma; and
``(iii) is a part of the statewide
articulation agreements described in clauses
(iv) and (v) of section 416C(f)(2)(D), except
that a pathway designed for earning
postsecondary credit in career and technical
education through a dual or concurrent
enrollment program leading to a recognized
postsecondary credential may be part of an
articulation agreement that includes some, but
not all, public institutions of higher
education in the State.
``(5) Early college high school.--The term `early college
high school' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(6) Early high school graduation fast track pathway.--The
term `early high school graduation fast track pathway' means a
scholarship provided to a student who--
``(A) graduates high school early consistent with a
State's early high school graduation policy;
``(B) does not require remedial coursework in
postsecondary education consistent with a State's
postsecondary course placement standards described in
section 416C(f)(2)(D)(iii); and
``(C) attends any public 2-year or 4-year
institution of higher education that is a part of the
eligible entity.
``(7) Early high school graduation policy.--The term `early
high school graduation policy' means a statewide policy adopted
by all local educational agencies in a State that--
``(A) allows students the opportunity to earn a
regular high school diploma in not more than 3 years;
``(B) is based in whole or in part on student
performance on valid and reliable assessments aligned
with the challenging State academic standards required
under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965, which may include a
nationally recognized high school academic assessment;
``(C) may permit students to earn required credit
hours for a regular high school diploma through a
demonstration of competency; and
``(D) includes support for students to ensure a
successful matriculation to postsecondary education.
``(8) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means a
partnership that, with respect to a State--
``(A) shall include--
``(i) the State educational agency;
``(ii) either--
``(I) the State public higher
education system inclusive of all 2-
year and 4-year public institutions of
higher education in the State; or
``(II) a consortium of the State's
public higher education institutions or
systems that, together, is inclusive of
all 2-year and 4-year public
institutions of higher education in the
State; and
``(iii) 1 or more local educational
agencies, including at least 1 high-need local
educational agency located in the State; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) a consortium of entities described in
subparagraph (A) from different States;
``(ii) 1 or more public or nonprofit
private institutions of higher education; or
``(iii) 1 or more businesses, nonprofit
organizations, State workforce agencies, or
State workforce development boards established
under section 101 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111).
``(9) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based' has the
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(10) First-generation college student.--The term `first-
generation college student' means--
``(A) an individual both of whose parents did not
complete a baccalaureate degree; or
``(B) in the case of any individual who regularly
resided with and received support from only 1 parent,
an individual whose only such parent did not complete a
baccalaureate degree.
``(11) Governor.--The term `Governor' means the chief
executive officer of a State.
``(12) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' means a local educational
agency--
``(A) that serves not fewer than 10,000 children
from families with incomes below the poverty line;
``(B) for which not less than 20 percent of the
children served by the agency are from families with
incomes below the poverty line;
``(C) that is in the highest quartile of local
educational agencies in the State, based on student
poverty; or
``(D) for which not less than 75 percent of the
children served by the agency are historically
underrepresented students.
``(13) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning
given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965.
``(14) Historically underrepresented student.--The term
`historically underrepresented student' means--
``(A) a student, or prospective student, at an
institution of higher education who is at risk of
educational failure or otherwise in need of special
assistance and support; and
``(B) may include an adult learner, working
student, part-time student, student from a low-income
background, student of color, Native youth, single
parent (including a single pregnant woman), student who
is a homeless child or youth, youth who is in, or has
aged out of, the foster care system, first-generation
college student, and student with a disability.
``(15) In-demand industry sector or occupation.--The term
`in-demand industry sector or occupation' has the meaning given
the term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act.
``(16) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a).
``(17) Middle grades.--The term `middle grades' has the
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(18) Nationally recognized high school academic
assessment.--The term `nationally recognized high school
academic assessment' means an assessment of high school
students' knowledge and skills that is administered in multiple
States and is recognized by institutions of higher education in
those or other States for the purposes of entrance or placement
into courses in postsecondary education or training programs.
``(19) Parent.--The term `parent' has the meaning given the
term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965.
``(20) Recognized postsecondary credential.--The term
`recognized postsecondary credential' has the meaning given the
term in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act.
``(21) Regular high school diploma.--The term `regular high
school diploma' has the meaning given the term in section 8101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
``(22) State.--The term `State' means each of the 50
States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico.
``(23) Subgroup of students.--The term `subgroup of
students' means--
``(A) economically disadvantaged students;
``(B) students from each major racial and ethnic
group;
``(C) children with disabilities, as defined in
section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act;
``(D) English learners, as defined in section 8101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
``(E) students disaggregated by gender;
``(F) migratory children, as described in section
1309(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965;
``(G) homeless children and youths, as defined in
section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a);
``(H) students who are in foster care or are aging
out of the foster care system; and
``(I) students with a parent who is a member of the
Armed Forces (as defined in section 101(a)(4) of title
10, United States Code) on active duty (as defined in
section 101(d) of such title).
``(24) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning'
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.
``SEC. 416C. COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO STATES.
``(a) Reservations.--From the total amount appropriated under
section 416I for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--
``(1) 2 percent to conduct the evaluation described under
section 416F; and
``(2) 2 percent for technical assistance and dissemination,
which may include--
``(A) providing, directly or through grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements, technical
assistance on using evidence-based practices to improve
the outcomes of activities funded under this subpart;
and
``(B) disseminating information on evidence-based
practices that are successful in improving the quality
of activities funded under this subpart.
``(b) Grants.--
``(1) Awards.--From the total amount of funds available
under section 416I for a fiscal year and not reserved under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall award grants on a
competitive basis to eligible entities to implement activities
described under section 416D.
``(2) Limitation.--A State may not receive (whether
individually or as part of a consortium) a grant under this
subpart more than once.
``(c) Grant Duration.--Grants awarded under this subpart shall be
for a period of 5 years.
``(d) Diversity of Projects.--In awarding grants under this
subpart, the Secretary shall ensure that, to the extent practicable,
grants are distributed among eligible entities that will serve
geographically diverse areas, including urban, suburban, and rural
areas.
``(e) Priorities.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the
Secretary shall give priority to applications that--
``(1) demonstrate experience in the successful adoption or
implementation of policies and programs described within the
application requirements under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of
subsection (f)(2) and uses of funds for evidence-based
practices under section 416D;
``(2) prioritize implementation of at least 1 early college
fast track pathway in multiple high-need local educational
agencies at the beginning of the grant period;
``(3) propose to develop multiple early college fast track
pathways, including an early college fast track pathway that
includes career and technical education and work-based learning
aligned with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry
sectors or occupations;
``(4) propose to provide a larger award size in its early
high school graduation fast track pathway relative to the size
of the maximum Federal Pell Grant award under subpart 1;
``(5) propose to expand access to advanced coursework for
students who are not eligible for the early college fast track
pathway or early high school graduation fast track pathway; and
``(6) use school quality or student success indicators to
hold high schools accountable, consistent with section
1111(c)(4)(B)(v) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965, that measure access to and completion of advanced
coursework, dual or concurrent enrollment programs, and early
college high school programs or postsecondary enrollment,
remediation, or first-year credit attainment.
``(f) Application.--
``(1) In general.--In order to receive a grant under
subsection (b) for any fiscal year, the Governor of a State
shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may reasonably require.
``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted by a Governor
under this subsection shall include the following:
``(A) The vision of the eligible entity for
aligning high school and higher education.
``(B) Signatures from the Governor, chief State
school officer, and State higher education executive
officer.
``(C) Evidence for each State within the eligible
entity demonstrating adoption of--
``(i) an early high school graduation
policy; and
``(ii) uniform statewide criteria for the
receipt of postsecondary, nonelective credit at
all public institutions of higher education in
the eligible entity based on performance on
Advanced Placement and International
Baccalaureate course examinations, and, at the
discretion of the eligible entity, other
assessments.
``(D) A description of how the eligible entity
will, not later than 2 years after the date of the
initial receipt of funds under this section, implement
policies and activities to align high school education
with postsecondary education in each State within the
eligible entity, which shall include--
``(i) updating State requirements for a
student to receive a regular high school
diploma, including students who graduate high
school early consistent with subparagraph (C),
to align with the challenging State academic
standards and entrance requirements for credit-
bearing coursework as described in section
1111(b)(1)(D) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965, which may include
alignment with entrance requirements for
credit-bearing coursework at the State's system
of 4-year institutions of higher education;
``(ii) verification of the alignment
described in clause (i) that is signified by
the signature of the Governor of the State,
chief State school officer, and State higher
education executive officer;
``(iii) developing statewide standards for
placement in postsecondary remedial coursework
based on multiple indicators, which may include
grade point average, college preparatory high
school courses completed, and performance
assessments;
``(iv) developing a formal, universal
statewide articulation agreement among all
public institutions of higher education or
systems in each State within the eligible
entity in which all local educational agencies
within each State within the eligible entity
may participate that guarantees--
``(I) students who earn
postsecondary credit as part of an
early college fast track pathway are
able to transfer such credit to--
``(aa) any public
institution of higher education
in the State, and that such
credits will count toward
meeting specific degree or
certificate requirements; and
``(bb) any private
nonprofit institution of higher
education or public institution
of higher education located in
another State that chooses to
participate in the articulation
agreement;
``(II) all relevant credits are
recognized throughout the public system
of higher education in the State and
count as credits earned for both a
regular high school diploma and for a
degree or certificate program at a
public institution of higher education
in the State and at any private
nonprofit institution of higher
education or public institution of
higher education located in another
State that chooses to participate; and
``(III) if a student earns an
associate's degree as part of an early
college fast track pathway, such
associate's degree, awarded by the
participating institution of higher
education in the State, shall be fully
acceptable in transfer and credited as
the first 2 years of a related
baccalaureate program at a public
institution of higher education in such
State; and
``(v) developing a formal, universal
statewide articulation agreement among all
public institutions of higher education in each
State within the eligible entity to facilitate
the seamless transfer of credit earned in the
early college fast track pathway among such
institutions of higher education, including
between 2-year and 4-year public institutions
of higher education and private nonprofit
institutions of higher education if such
private nonprofit institutions of higher
education choose to participate, which may
include--
``(I) common course numbering;
``(II) a general education core
curriculum; and
``(III) management systems
regarding course equivalency, transfer
of credit, and articulation.
``(E) A description of how the eligible entity will
provide students with the opportunity to choose an
early college fast track pathway or an early high
school graduation fast track pathway, including--
``(i) the criteria that will be used to
designate students as eligible to participate
in the early college fast track pathway prior
to the conclusion of grade 11, which--
``(I) may be based in part on
student performance on valid and
reliable assessments aligned with the
challenging State academic standards
required under section 1111(b)(1) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965, which may include a
nationally recognized high school
academic assessment, and in part on
other indicators consistent with the
statewide standards for placement in
postsecondary remedial coursework under
subparagraph (D)(iii);
``(II) if met, shall signify that
the student will not require remedial
coursework consistent with the
placement standards developed under
subparagraph (D)(iii); and
``(III) shall include students who
meet the requirements of the State's
early high school graduation policy;
``(ii) how the eligible entity will
disseminate information to all students and
particularly subgroups of students, students
who would be first-generation college students,
and, as applicable, other historically
underrepresented students in the middle grades
and in grades 9, 10, and 11, served by the
eligible entity, including their parents, about
the opportunity to participate in an early
college fast track pathway or an early high
school graduation fast track pathway,
including--
``(I) the requirements students
must meet to participate in each fast
track pathway consistent with the
State's early high school graduation
policy and eligibility criteria
described in clause (i);
``(II) information regarding the
transferability of credits from
advanced coursework offered in the
early college fast track pathway,
including the State's criteria for the
receipt of postsecondary credit based
on performance on Advanced Placement
and International Baccalaureate course
examinations described in subparagraph
(C)(ii), which institutions of higher
education participate in the
articulation agreements described under
clauses (iv) and (v) of subparagraph
(D), and the performance standards
students must meet in order for credit
from advanced coursework to transfer
successfully;
``(III) information on the
scholarships included within the early
high school graduation fast track
pathway, including the size of the
scholarship and the institutions of
higher education at which the
scholarships may be used; and
``(IV) information regarding
resources and supports available to
students to prepare them to participate
and succeed in a fast track pathway;
``(iii) how the eligible entity will
provide each student served by the eligible
entity with the opportunity to be assessed
prior to the conclusion of grade 11 to
determine whether the student meets--
``(I) the eligibility criteria
described in clause (i) to participate
in an early college fast track pathway;
and
``(II) the requirements of the
State's early high school graduation
policy so that a student may
participate in an early high school
graduation fast track pathway; and
``(iv) how the eligible entity will notify
each student, including the student's parents,
who--
``(I) meets the eligibility
criteria described under clause (i) no
later than the beginning of grade 12
about the opportunity for the student
to participate in an early college fast
track pathway for the remainder of the
student's enrollment in high school;
and
``(II) meets the requirements of
the early high school graduation policy
about the opportunity to graduate high
school early and receive a scholarship
as part of an early high school
graduation fast track pathway.
``(F) A description of how the eligible entity will
implement the early college fast track pathway and
early high school graduation fast track pathway in all
local educational agencies within each State within the
eligible entity, including--
``(i) the timeline and plan to provide, by
the end of the grant period, all students in
the State who meet the eligibility criteria
described under subparagraph (E)(i) the
opportunity to participate in an early college
fast track pathway, which may include online
coursework coordinated by the State;
``(ii) the timeline and plan to provide all
students in the State who meet the requirements
for its early high school graduation policy the
opportunity to receive a scholarship through an
early high school graduation fast track
pathway; and
``(iii) annual goals for participation in
fast track pathways among subgroups of students
such that, if the goals are met--
``(I) significant progress will be
made toward improving equity in student
eligibility and participation in the
early high school graduation pathway
across the local educational agencies
within each State within the eligible
entity;
``(II) significant progress will be
made toward improving equity in access
to advanced coursework and early
college fast track pathways across the
local educational agencies within each
State in the eligible entity; and
``(III) the composition of students
participating in fast track pathways
will be demographically similar to each
State, as a whole, within the eligible
entity by the end of the grant period.
``(G) A description of how the eligible entity
consulted with stakeholders in development of its
application and how the eligible entity will continue
to engage, collaborate, and solicit feedback with
stakeholders to improve implementation of the
application requirements described in this subsection
and uses of funds described in section 416D,
including--
``(i) members of the State legislature and
State board of education (if the State has a
State board of education);
``(ii) the State higher education governing
or coordinating entity (if the State has such
an entity);
``(iii) the State entity that coordinates
early childhood, elementary, secondary, and
postsecondary education (if the State has such
an entity);
``(iv) local educational agencies,
including those located in rural areas and
high-need local education agencies;
``(v) representatives of Indian Tribes
located in the State;
``(vi) charter school leaders (if the State
has charter schools);
``(vii) civil rights organizations in the
State;
``(viii) business leaders or their
representatives in the State;
``(ix) teachers, principals, and other
school leaders; and
``(x) parents and students.
``(H) Assurances that the eligible entity will--
``(i) allow students who choose to
participate in an early college fast track
pathway the opportunity to do so at no cost to
students and parents, including that such
students and their parents shall not be
required to pay the cost of related tuition,
fees (including examination fees), books, and
supplies necessary to successfully complete the
early college fast track pathway;
``(ii) comply with the supplement, not
supplant and maintenance of effort requirements
described in sections 416G and 416H; and
``(iii) use not less than half of the grant
funds for purposes described under subsections
(a)(2) and (b) of section 416D to support
subgroups of students, students who would be
first-generation college students, and, as
applicable, other historically underrepresented
students.
``(g) Reporting.--Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this
section shall submit to the Secretary a report on an annual basis that
includes, for each State within the eligible entity--
``(1) information on the progress of the eligible entity in
establishing the policies and completing the required
activities as specified in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of
subsection (f)(2) to align high school education with
postsecondary education;
``(2) the number and percentage of local educational
agencies and schools in the State offering an early high school
graduation fast track pathway and each early college fast track
pathway consistent with its timelines and plans as specified in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (f)(2)(F), progress against
the goals established by the eligible entity for
demographically diverse student participation in fast track
pathways specified in subsection (f)(2)(F)(iii), and evidence
demonstrating how the eligible entity certified each such
pathway meets all requirements of this subpart;
``(3) the number and percentage of students in the State,
including for each subgroup of students, who--
``(A) are eligible to participate in an early
college fast track pathway;
``(B) participate in an early college fast track
pathway; and
``(C) successfully complete an early college fast
track pathway;
``(4) the number and percentage of students in the State,
including for each subgroup of students, who--
``(A) are eligible to participate in an early high
school graduation fast track pathway; and
``(B) participate in an early high school
graduation fast track pathway;
``(5) the average scholarship award amount for students,
including for each subgroup of students, in the State who
participate in an early high school graduation fast track
pathway; and
``(6) any additional information as the Secretary may
reasonably require to ensure compliance with the requirements
of this subpart and to effectively evaluate, monitor, and
improve grant implementation.
``SEC. 416D. USE OF FUNDS.
``(a) Required Activities.--Each eligible entity that receives a
grant under section 416C(b) for a fiscal year shall--
``(1) use funds for activities to implement the alignment
requirements pursuant to section 416C(f)(2)(D) for a period of
time not to exceed the first 2 fiscal years for which the grant
is provided; and
``(2) use funds to support statewide implementation of
early college fast track pathways and early high school
graduation fast track pathways consistent with the timeline,
plan, and goals specified in section 416C(f)(2)(F), including--
``(A) expanding advanced coursework to increase the
availability of early college fast track pathways,
which may include--
``(i) tuition, fees (including examination
fees associated with Advanced Placement,
International Baccalaureate, and similar
examinations), books, and supplies for eligible
students;
``(ii) creating or expanding statewide
systems to provide each of the advanced courses
in the early college fast track pathways
online; and
``(iii) establishing or expanding early
college high schools;
``(B) programs and activities to improve student
preparation for, and participation in, an early college
fast track pathway or early high school graduation fast
track pathway, especially among subgroups of students,
students who would be first-generation college
students, and, as applicable, other historically
underrepresented students, which may include--
``(i) use of data from evidence-based early
assessment programs or evidence-based early
warning indicator systems;
``(ii) enhanced advising or counseling
activities, such as providing course-taking and
financial aid guidance as early as the middle
grades; and
``(iii) other evidence-based services as
described by the eligible entity; and
``(C) outreach and communications with students and
parents, particularly historically underrepresented
students, to build awareness of early college fast
track pathways and early high school graduation fast
track pathways.
``(b) Additional Activities.--To support effective statewide
implementation of fast track pathways consistent with the timeline,
plan, and goals specified in section 416C(f)(2)(F), each eligible
entity that receives a grant under section 416C(b) for a fiscal year
may use funds to--
``(1) offer students who graduate high school early
scholarships and support for matriculating to postsecondary
education as part of an early high school graduation fast track
pathway;
``(2) provide training, professional development, or
recruitment for faculty who teach courses that are included in
an early college fast track pathway;
``(3) provide students with transportation to and from
advanced courses in an early college fast track pathway;
``(4) convene secondary and postsecondary education and
workforce leaders in the State and other stakeholders to
coordinate and monitor grant implementation; and
``(5) provide incentives for local educational agencies and
institutions of higher education to encourage student
participation in early college fast track pathways and early
high school graduation fast track pathways.
``SEC. 416E. FEDERAL PELL GRANT AWARDS.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding the requirement under
subsections (a)(1) and (d) of section 484 that a student not be
enrolled in an elementary school or secondary school to be eligible to
receive a Federal Pell Grant under subpart 1, for the award years
beginning on July 1, 2027, the Secretary shall, in each State within an
eligible entity awarded a grant under this subpart, award high school
students who meet the eligibility requirements described in section
416C(f)(2)(E) and participate in an early college fast track pathway, a
Federal Pell Grant based on the determination of the student aid index
for such student.
``(b) Two Semester Cap Waiver.--For a period not to exceed 2
semesters (or the equivalent of 2 semesters for students who are not
enrolled full time, consistent with regulations promulgated by the
Secretary described under section 401(d)(5)), Federal Pell Grants
awarded to eligible students under subsection (a) shall not count
toward the 12-semester eligibility period for Federal Pell Grants
described under section 401(d)(5).
``(c) Amount of Pell Grant.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (3) and (5)
of section 401(b) and section 472, the amount of the Federal Pell Grant
received under subsection (a) shall not exceed the cost of tuition,
fees (excluding fees associated with Advanced Placement, International
Baccalaureate, and similar examinations), books, and supplies.
``(d) Applicability.--The Secretary shall continue awarding Federal
Pell Grants to students pursuant to this section in a State whose grant
under this subpart has expired based upon the eligible entity's
continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart as
determined by the Secretary.
``SEC. 416F. EVALUATION.
``The Secretary, in partnership with the Director of the Institute
of Education Sciences, shall contract with a third party to conduct an
independent evaluation not later than September 30, 2031, and preceded
by interim reports, of the policies and services provided under this
subpart, including at a minimum, the impact of such policies and
services on outcomes for all students and subgroups of students with
regard to each of the following:
``(1) Enrollment in and completion of advanced coursework
during high school, including the number of courses students
take and the number of credits students earn.
``(2) Postsecondary enrollment, remediation, first-year
credit attainment, and persistence.
``(3) The rate at which credits transfer from advanced
coursework in high school, including dual or concurrent
enrollment programs, and public institutions of higher
education and between such institutions.
``(4) Postsecondary degree attainment, including completion
of an associate's degree, baccalaureate degree, or recognized
postsecondary credential, and the time it takes students to
earn a degree.
``(5) The cost of a postsecondary degree, by degree type,
for participating students in an early college fast track
pathway or an early high school graduation fast track pathway.
``SEC. 416G. SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT.
``Funds made available under this subpart shall be used to
supplement, and not supplant, non-Federal funds that would otherwise be
used for activities authorized under this subpart.
``SEC. 416H. MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT.
``(a) Maintenance of Effort Required.--A State that receives
assistance under this subpart shall provide for institutions of higher
education and local educational agencies in such State for any academic
year beginning on or after July 1, 2027, an amount that is equal to or
greater than the average amount provided for advanced coursework by
such State to such institutions of higher education and local
educational agencies for advanced coursework during the 2 most recent
preceding academic years for which satisfactory data are available.
``(b) Adjustments for Biennial Appropriations.--The Secretary shall
take into consideration any adjustments to the calculations under
subsection (a) that may be required to accurately reflect funding
levels in States with biennial appropriation cycles.
``(c) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the requirements of
subsection (a) for not more than 2 consecutive years, if the Secretary
determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to exceptional or
uncontrollable circumstances, such as a natural disaster or a
precipitous and unforeseen decline in the financial resources of a
State or State educational agency, as appropriate.
``(d) Violation of Maintenance of Effort.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary shall withhold from any State
that violates subsection (a) and does not receive a waiver pursuant to
subsection (c) any amount that would otherwise be available to the
State under this subpart until such State has made significant efforts
to correct such violation.
``SEC. 416I. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2027 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
(b) Effective Date.--This section, and the amendments made by this
section, shall take effect on the later of the date of enactment of
this Act or July 1, 2027.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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