1. Short title This Act may be cited as the The Earning Experience Act of 2018 . 2. Pilot grant program Part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 1087–51 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 449. Work-based learning opportunities pilot grant program (a) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible institutions participating under this part to establish or expand a program to develop work-based learning positions. (2) Limitations (A) Duration A grant awarded under this section shall be for a period of not more than 4 years, but may be renewed by the Secretary for a period of 2 years. (B) Amount A grant under this section may not be in an amount greater than $1,000,000. (b) Application To be selected to receive a grant under this section an eligible institution participating under this part shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a plan that describes how the eligible institution will establish or expand a program to develop work-based learning positions that will— (1) benefit students who demonstrate exceptional need (as defined in section 413C(c)(2)); (2) identify in-demand industry sectors or occupations (as determined by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, State departments of labor, and local workforce development boards) and develop partnerships with employers (including nonprofit organizations, for-profit firms, or public agencies) in such sectors or occupations; (3) involve participating employers in evaluating and improving such program; (4) track and report academic and employment outcomes for participating students; and (5) be able to continue after the end of the grant term. (c) Use of funds Grant funds awarded under this program shall be used to pay wages for students participating under this program and develop work-based learning positions that— (1) are for a period of at least 12 weeks