(GEN-24-08) Ability to Benefit State Process and Eligible Career Pathway Programs

https://octae.ed.gov/resources/gen-24-08-ability-benefit-state-process-and-eligible-career-pathway-programs

This Dear Colleague Letter explains changes made to the ATB State Process regulation at 34 § 668.156 and the addition of regulatory requirements for Eligible Career Pathway Programs (ECPPs) at 34 CFR § 157. https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2024-06-12/ability-benefit-state-process-and-eligible-career-pathway-programs

(GEN-24-151) Applying for Title IV Approval of an Eligible Career Pathway Program for Ability to Benefit

https://octae.ed.gov/resources/gen-24-151-applying-title-iv-approval-eligible-career-pathway-program-ability-benefit

This electronic announcement provides a reminder and brief process for institutions applying for approval of eligible career pathway program(s) (ECPP) for uses with ATB at Title IV-eligible institutions.
https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/electronic-announcements/2024-12-23/applying-title-iv-approval-eligible-career-pathway-program-ability-benefit

Dual Enrollment for Adult Learners

https://octae.ed.gov/cte/initiatives/dual-enrollment-adult-learners

Ability to Benefit alternatives expand adult learners’ access to postsecondary education and training through the use of federal student aid.Ability to Benefit (ATB) alternatives allow students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalency to be eligible for Title IV student assistance (federal student aid) if the student is enrolled in an eligible career pathway program (ECPP). This co-enrollment in postsecondary education and adult education is similar to dual enrollment for high school students, hence the project title, “Dual Enrollment for Adult Learners” (DEAL).Students must meet one of the following ATB eligibility alternatives to become eligible for aid:Pass an ATB test (CELSA, ACCUPLACER, Texas Success Initiative Assessment)Complete at least six credit

Dual Enrollment for Adults - Ability to Benefit State Process Technical Assistance Webinar

https://octae.ed.gov/events/dual-enrollment-adults-ability-benefit-state-process-technical-assistance-webinar

This webinar, hosted by the Dual Enrollment for Adult Learners (DEAL) project, will share information about an upcoming technical assistance opportunity to support the development of Ability to Benefit (ATB) alternate state processes and increase the overall usage of ATB to support the dual enrollment of adult learners in postsecondary education. The webinar will provide a short overview of ATB, describe the technical assistance opportunity, review the application process, and answer questions from participants. The webinar will be held May 8, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. EDT – Register Here.

Estimated FY 2025 State Allocations

https://octae.ed.gov/resources/estimated-fy-2025-state-allocations

Estimated Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 State Allocations under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins V).