This bill, titled the Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025, aims to bolster institutions of higher education that offer construction and manufacturing-oriented registered apprenticeship programs. It proposes two distinct grant programs to expand enrollment and enhance student support within these vital workforce development pathways. The legislation seeks to address workforce needs by strengthening the pipeline of skilled workers in these industries.

The first program, the Community Outreach Grant Program, authorizes $5 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for eligible entities. These grants, capped at $500,000 per entity, fund outreach efforts to high schools, local businesses, and workforce development boards. The outreach focuses on educating potential students, parents, and employers about the benefits of these apprenticeship programs, with a priority on increasing enrollment for rural, first-generation, minority, and nontraditional students.

The second initiative is the Student Support Grant Program for Expanded Academic Advising, also authorizing $5 million annually for the same fiscal period, with grants up to $500,000 per entity. This program provides funding for comprehensive advising and support services designed to improve student retention, persistence, and completion rates. Services include:

Expanded academic advising, such as career guidance, ESL support, and mentoring.
Student support programs, including health and family services, mental health counseling, and childcare assistance.

Grant recipients must report on their activities, student participation, and progress in achieving program goals, particularly regarding overall enrollment and completion rates for underrepresented populations. Eligible entities can receive grants from both programs, collectively working to strengthen and diversify the skilled workforce in construction and manufacturing.