Counseling for Career Choice Act
Latest action (12 Aug 2025): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 4965, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and expand the list of activities that qualify as "career guidance and school counseling programs" under the law's student support and academic enrichment grant program. The updated list adds specific allowable activities, including identifying regional workforce trends in partnership with state and local workforce boards or economic development groups, building infrastructure so counselors can access that trend data, providing financial literacy and federal financial aid information, offering professional development or certification training for counselors, and establishing postsecondary pathways such as apprenticeships, internships, dual enrollment, and credential or degree programs. It also encourages partnerships with workforce "one-stop centers," use of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence in career counseling, and evaluation of student outcomes.
The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies that receive these federal grants, as well as school counselors, students, and workforce development organizations they may partner with. It does not create new funding but clarifies and broadens how existing grant funds can be used for career guidance.
The bill was introduced on August 12, 2025, by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) with co-sponsor Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 12, 2025. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4965 do?
- H.R. 4965, the Counseling for Career Choice Act, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and expand the list of activities that qualify as "career guidance and school counseling programs" under the law's student support and academic enrichment grant program. The updated list adds specific allowable activities, including identifying regional workforce trends in partnership with state and local workforce boards or economic development groups, building infrastructure so counselors can access that trend data, providing financial literacy and federal financial aid information, offering professional development or certification training for counselors, and establishing postsecondary pathways such as apprenticeships, internships, dual enrollment, and credential or degree programs. It also encourages partnerships with workforce "one-stop centers," use of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence in career counseling, and evaluation of student outcomes. The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies that receive these federal grants, as well as school counselors, students, and workforce development organizations they may partner with. It does not create new funding but clarifies and broadens how existing grant funds can be used for career guidance. The bill was introduced on August 12, 2025, by Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) with co-sponsor Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It has not yet received a committee vote or floor action, and would need to pass the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become law.
- Has H.R. 4965 become law?
- Not yet. As of 12 Aug 2025, H.R. 4965 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4965?
- H.R. 4965 was sponsored by Rep. Glenn Thompson [R-PA15] (Republican-PA), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4965?
- Introduced (12 Aug 2025).
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