ED AHEAD Negotiated Rulemaking Session 1 Concludes, Consensus Reached

Published December 15, 2025

By AACOM Government Relations

Federal Policy Higher Education OME Advocate

  • On December 8-12, 2025, ED convened its Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) negotiated rulemaking committee.
  • The majority of this session focused on implementing Workforce Pell Grant provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill ActP.L. 119-21, including developing a new regulatory framework, new program eligibility and disbursement of funds.
  • Negotiators reached consensus on seven topics related to creating a new Workforce Pell program.
  • View AACOM’s summary of the first AHEAD session and the consensus package.
  • The next AHEAD session is set for January 5-9, 2026, when negotiators will discuss accountability, gainful employment and financial value transparency issues.