Discussions on expanding the Pell Grant to include short-term workforce training programs are progressing smoothly, with few major disagreements, during a three-day rulemaking session. The Education Department's proposal, closely aligned with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aims to finalize negotiations by Friday. Key issues include the treatment of noncredit programs, the involvement of unaccredited institutions, and the responsibility for collecting eligibility metrics. The expansion will enable the Pell Grant to cover programs as short as eight weeks, meeting the needs of local employers.

The number of unique credentials in the US has reached 1.8 million, with digital badges surpassing 1 million, according to Credential Engine. The report highlights a significant shift towards skills-based hiring, with digital badges allowing workers to showcase specific skills more effectively. Colleges and universities are increasingly interested in offering nondegree credentials, though concerns about quality persist.

As a leader, it can feel uncomfortable to ask for feedback because it feels personal, but growth requires input, writes leadership coach Dan Rockwell. Get the feedback you need by asking others how you can help them, what worked during meetings and whether your actions are lining up with company or team values, Rockwell recommends.

US medical school enrollment has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, driven by a 5.3% increase in applications, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The surge comes amid projected physician shortages, with first-year enrollment rising 1.2%. Women make up 57.2% of applicants, but socioeconomic diversity among students is declining.