Clasp Advocates for Healthcare Workforce Needs in Education Policy Reform

In a significant move to bridge the gap between higher education and workforce realities, Clasp’s Chief Operating Officer, David Kafafian, has been instrumental in negotiating new regulations that focus on connecting educational outcomes with the necessities of the healthcare workforce. This effort is part of the U.S. Department of Education's newly formed Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee.

New Workforce Pell Initiative

The AHEAD Committee has introduced the Workforce Pell initiative, which will allow for Pell Grant funding to support short-term education and training programs. This groundbreaking program is designed to streamline education processes, enabling students to be trained and placed in healthcare roles in less than 15 weeks. By providing quicker access to education, this initiative aims to alleviate looming shortages in the healthcare sector.

As a part of the committee's efforts, the OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) has also outlined new accountability measures that tie federal funding for higher education directly to the workforce outcomes of program graduates. This linkage underscores the critical need for colleges and universities to align their output with the labor market demands.

Employer Perspectives on Policy

For Clasp, representing the voices of healthcare employers in this committee is paramount, particularly as the proposed changes under OBBBA could potentially create significant funding gaps in clinical degree programs. Kafafian emphasizes that such discrepancies, which vary between 40% to 85% of program costs, could have serious implications for healthcare talent pipelines, limiting future hires even before the full extent of shortages manifests in data.

In collaboration with major healthcare employers, Clasp has prioritized initiatives that not only facilitate increased access to careers but also ensure that educational institutions invest in high-skill and in-demand fields. Their advocacy encourages partnerships between educational entities and businesses, fostering an ecosystem conducive to sustained workforce development.

Collaborative Efforts

Clasp has worked alongside various stakeholders, including state workforce boards, community colleges, and student advocacy groups. Through these collaborations, the AHEAD Committee has reached critical consensus on various significant topics, including education access and accountability measures. This multi-faceted approach has positioned Clasp as a leader at the intersection of education and workforce development.

The Role of Healthcare Employers

Historically, healthcare employers have often been removed from the educational process that shapes future talent. Kafafian, reflecting on this past disconnect, notes, “It was a privilege to engage directly in shaping policies that will impact the generation of talent entering our industry.” As the proposed rules progress toward implementation, Clasp is committed to assisting healthcare systems in navigating these changes.

Understanding Pipeline Changes

Clasp plans to aid hospitals and health systems by providing vital insights into their exposure to risks within specific roles and regions. They are developing resources aimed at mapping education access risks, using tools like the School Deserts Index, and drafting guidelines that link higher education more closely with workforce demands. Furthermore, they are investigating how to align student loan repayment programs and early commitment models with long-term healthcare access goals.

Employers utilizing Clasp’s services have already made substantial commitments—over $130 million—toward student loan repayment. These investments are seen not merely as incentives but as vital infrastructure necessary for maintaining a robust talent pipeline.

Future Considerations

Tess Michaels, the founder and CEO of Clasp, accentuates the urgency of these initiatives, stating, “Employers can’t merely recruit their way out of a shrinking pipeline.” The healthcare systems preparing for future workforce needs must start engaging earlier with education partners and policymakers to safeguard access to essential care.

To explore how Clasp can help future-proof their talent strategies amid these changes in education policy and workforce dynamics, healthcare employers can visit clasp.com/futureproof.

About Clasp

Clasp assists healthcare employers in confronting workforce shortages by facilitating the creation of sustainable talent pipelines through employer-sponsored educational investments. By harmonizing educational funding with employer partnerships, Clasp enables health systems to nurture the healthcare professionals needed for the future. Partner organizations include renowned institutions like Boston Children's Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, enabling a coordinated approach to workforce development across vital healthcare roles.