Bill > HB2383

This bill establishes a statewide framework for Hawaii to participate in the federal Workforce Pell Grant Program, which provides financial aid for specific short-term job training programs that lead to in-demand and high-wage occupations. It creates a Workforce Pell Grant Program Approval Committee within the Workforce Development Council, composed of various state officials, university representatives, and employer representatives, to review and approve eligible training programs. The bill defines key terms like "high-wage occupation" and "stackable credential" (a recognized certification that can be applied towards further education), and requires participating institutions to ensure programs lead to these credentials and are at least eight weeks but no more than fifteen weeks long. It also mandates secure data sharing for tracking student outcomes, establishes student protections such as clear disclosures and reasonable tuition, and requires institutions to develop pathways for students to use their short-term credentials for future academic pursuits. The bill aims to ensure Hawaii residents can access federal funding for workforce training and that these programs meet federal standards, with an effective date of July 1, 3000.

Education, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2383&year=2026