The drumbeat to extend Pell Grant eligibility to quality, short-term workforce development programs continues to grow louder.

Advocates—from community colleges to business organizations—cite the expansion as an important pathway for good-paying jobs and careers. For adults, short-term Pell stands to increase access to short-term job training and other educational opportunities. For employers, it could open a pipeline for much-needed skilled workers.

Photo: Jan Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Among an avalanche of bills filed in the Texas Legislature last week were at least half a dozen proposals that would affect public colleges—a sign of Republican politicians’ keen interest in reforming higher ed this year.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Texas Senate by virtue of his position, is helping lead the charge. Among Patrick's top priorities for the 2023 legislative session: banning critical race theory, ending colleges’ diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, and eliminating tenure.

Photo: Olivia Sun

Five counties in Colorado share an unpleasant reality: They don’t have a single dental provider, meaning people often drive long distances for routine care.

A law passed last year was intended to help close those oral health gaps by authorizing dental therapists to work in the state. There's just one problem: Training for them doesn’t exist in Colorado.