A policy change would allow federal grants to cover tuition for many short‑term, job‑focused postsecondary programs—an opening advocates call a potential game‑changer for low‑income learners and workforce retraining. The move targets non‑degree credentials and accelerated pathways tied to employer demand, but implementation questions remain about quality assurance, accreditation and long‑term student outcomes. Education advocates and institutions are evaluating whether the new funding route can scale meaningful career pathways without replicating past problems tied to poor program quality or weak student protections.