WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04), Chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, co-signed a bipartisan letter led by Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) calling for the expansion of financial aid for online education institutions.

In the letter, the members write: “Today, a significant number of learners are part of a diverse group of individuals who are left behind by traditional higher educational program design, which ties learning to time and place. These learners are often over the age of 22, work at least part-time, are likely paying for school independently, or have limited discretionary budgets. Many also may live in education deserts. These individuals are looking for a path to economic prosperity, with the flexibility to learn on their schedule. By providing this flexibility, online learning expands access to hundreds of thousands who would not have access otherwise.”

The members conclude: “Ensuring all learners have access to high-quality training and upskilling is crucial to meeting both the demands of the nation’s students and working adults as well as addressing workforce shortages in critical industries. Assuring the online option for short-term Pell will help to close the skills gap that exists in many of these industries, providing more individuals with the education and training they need to succeed in today’s economy.”

The full text of the letter is available here.

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