June 30, 2023
Congress Focuses on Skills over Degrees
At a hearing before the House Committee on Education and Labor, lawmakers continued to question the importance of a college degree, focusing instead on urging employers to embrace skills-based hiring.
In her opening statement, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) declared that “… despite nearly two-thirds of Americans aged 25 and older not possessing a bachelor’s degree, we have perpetuated the notion that such degrees are the only pathway to the middle class.” Foxx also highlighted as “good news” the fact that “increasing numbers of employers are removing degree requirements and instead focusing on specific skills and competencies needed for the job.”
Agreeing with Foxx, Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) declared that he was “encouraged by the bipartisan enthusiasm for skill-based hiring.” Meanwhile, witnesses echoed these statements and discussed mechanisms for broadening skills-based hiring, including via short-term Pell, credential programs, apprenticeships, and skills assessments.
In her opening statement, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) declared that “… despite nearly two-thirds of Americans aged 25 and older not possessing a bachelor’s degree, we have perpetuated the notion that such degrees are the only pathway to the middle class.” Foxx also highlighted as “good news” the fact that “increasing numbers of employers are removing degree requirements and instead focusing on specific skills and competencies needed for the job.”
Agreeing with Foxx, Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA) declared that he was “encouraged by the bipartisan enthusiasm for skill-based hiring.” Meanwhile, witnesses echoed these statements and discussed mechanisms for broadening skills-based hiring, including via short-term Pell, credential programs, apprenticeships, and skills assessments.
For more information, please contact:
Jody Feder