Opportunities for Success Act of 2025

Increased Funding for Work-Study: The bill provides a schedule of increased appropriations starting at $1,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and rising to $2,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2031 (Section 2).

Expanded Work-Based Learning: The bill adds "work-based learning" as a covered activity, which includes opportunities like internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to give students first-hand engagement in their career fields (Section 2).

Support for Students in Nonenrollment: Students experiencing a "qualified period of nonenrollment" of up to 6 months can be awarded work-study employment (Section 4).

Enhanced Financial Assistance for Specific Groups: The bill directs institutions to prioritize employment for students who are currently homeless or foster care youth (Section 4).

Travel Reimbursement: The bill provides an assurance that compensation for work-study includes reimbursement for reasonable travel directly related to the program (Section 4).

SNAP Assistance: Institutions are required to notify eligible students of their potential eligibility for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) (Section 4).

New Pilot Grant Program: A new pilot grant program is established to help institutions develop work-based learning positions that include career coaching and industry partnerships (Section 9).

Funding Reductions for Certain Institutions: The bill includes a formula where institutions may face a "ratable reduction" if appropriated amounts are less than required, and it sets up a transition period where allocations may decrease toward a "fair share" amount (Section 3).

Eligibility Restrictions for Institutions: The Secretary may not allocate funds to institutions that fail to meet specific student population thresholds regarding Federal Pell Grant recipients or students with a zero student aid index (Section 3).

Strict Requirements for Pilot Grant Recipients: Institutions receiving pilot grants must follow specific rules, such as ensuring work positions are at least 12 weeks long and include at least 15 hours of work per week (Section 9).

Limitations on Funds for Nonenrollment: For students in a qualified period of nonenrollment, any funds earned in excess of $2,500 must be applied to their future cost of attendance (Section 4).