schools
Bipartisan Senate duo wants to help students get federal aid for learning outside college
By Helen Huiskes and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) are pairing up on a new bill that would pave a way for students to use financial aid to pay for prior learning assessments, a category of tests that grant college credit for learning outside a college setting, such as in a job. Those tests u...
Key takeaway ) are pairing up on a new bill that would pave a way for students to use financial aid to pay for prior learning assessments, a category of tests that grant college credit for learning outside a college setting, such as in a job.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso students, the proposed bill could be a game-changer, particularly those who have gained valuable skills through work experience or vocational training. By allowing students to use federal aid for prior learning assessments, the bill could help reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education. This is especially relevant in a city like El Paso, where many students may be balancing work and family responsibilities while trying to advance their education. The potential to earn college credit for skills learned on the job could also help address the city's workforce development needs, by recognizing the value of experiential learning and providing a more affordable pathway to degree completion. As the bill moves forward, El Paso educators and policymakers will be watching closely to see how it might impact local students and the city's education landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC) . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) are pairing up on a new bill that would pave a way for students to use financial aid to pay for prior learning assessments, a category of tests that grant college credit for learning outside a college setting, such as in a job. Those tests u...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Helen Huiskes and The Hill at KTSM 9 News (NBC). To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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