A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Jumpstart on College Act directs the Secretary of Education to provide grants to support early college high schools and dual or concurrent enrollment programs. The bill aims to increase the percentage of students, particularly low-income and underrepresented populations, who complete recognized postsecondary credentials within a timely manner. Funding is authorized at $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each of the following five years. Grants are awarded to both eligible entities, such as institutions of higher education in partnership with local agencies, and to States. The legislation includes specific requirements for matching funds and mandatory activities to ensure program success.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +8
Would students be better off under this?
The bill provides direct financial relief and support services for postsecondary education success.
- Scored +7
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets low-income students to offset the costs of tuition, fees, and support services.
- Scored +7
Does this make college cost less?
The bill provides grants to ensure students do not pay tuition or fees for participating in early college programs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased College Completion Rates: The act aims to help more students, including low-income and underrepresented populations, complete postsecondary credentials within the expected timeframe (Section 2).
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Financial Relief for Students: Grantees are required to ensure that participating students are not required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses taken under the program (Section 5(i)(3)(A)).
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Enhanced Support Services: Funds can be used to create systems of support for students, including academic, social, and college/career readiness services (Section 5(h)(1)(A)(ii)).
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Access to Work-Based Learning: The bill allows for the incorporation of work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and pre-apprenticeships, into the programs (Section 5(h)(2)(C)).
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Improved Career Readiness: Funds can be used to design curricula that align with labor market demand through partnerships with employers (Section 5(h)(1)(B)(i)).
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Expanded Access for Underrepresented Groups: States may use funds to establish mechanisms to offset costs for tuition, fees, and support services specifically for low-income and underrepresented students (Section 6(a)(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Burden of Matching Funds for Entities: Eligible entities must provide matching funds that increase over the life of the grant, starting at 20 percent and rising to 50 percent by the sixth year (Section 5(d)(2)).
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Financial Burden of Matching Funds for States: States are required to provide non-Federal funds equal to 50 percent of the amount of the grant they receive (Section 6(d)).
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Requirement to Supplement Rather Than Supplant: Entities and States must ensure that these federal funds are used only to add to existing funds and not to replace money that would otherwise be available from other sources (Section 5(e) and Section 6(e)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill provides direct financial relief and support services for postsecondary education success. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets low-income students to offset the costs of tuition, fees, and support services. Would children be better off under this? — The bill enhances educational opportunities and career readiness for secondary school students. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The program facilitates the acquisition of postsecondary credentials for those entering adulthood. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill's focus on underrepresented populations can benefit Hispanic student communities. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill may reduce future educational costs through dual enrollment opportunities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill provides grants to ensure students do not pay tuition or fees for participating in early college programs. Does this reduce what student borrowers owe or repay? — By facilitating early college completion, the bill helps students enter the workforce or higher education with fewer debts.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes support for underrepresented and low-income student populations.
- 11/19/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Mark TakanoDemocrat · California