Proposed Priority and Definitions-Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness
Summary
The Department of Education is proposing new rules to define what counts as career pathways and workforce readiness programs, which help students and workers prepare for jobs. This rule aims to clarify how schools and training programs should set up courses that connect education directly to real job opportunities.
Key Points
- 1The rule defines 'career pathways' as programs that connect education to specific career goals, helping students move from one level of training to the next on their way to employment
- 2It establishes what 'workforce readiness' means—skills and credentials that employers actually need and value when hiring
- 3Schools, community colleges, and training providers will need to align their programs with these definitions to receive federal funding
- 4The rule affects students pursuing career-focused education as an alternative or addition to traditional four-year college paths
- 5Public comment is being accepted until October 28, 2025, before the Department of Education makes the rule final
Key Dates
September 25, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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