Workforce Pell Regulations Finalized

"Starting July 1, students enrolled in certain high-demand, short-term job training courses will have access to federal Pell Grants. Historically, Pell was only available to low-income students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree. But now, under the new regulations, aid from the same pot of funding will be extended to learners in certificate programs that last between eight and 15 weeks and are preapproved by both the state and federal governments."

"In order to be approved, a Workforce Pell program must be deemed by its state government high skill, high wage or in demand—preferably all three. On top of that, the state higher ed system running the program must be able to prove that at least 70 percent of students enrolled complete the program and at least 70 percent are placed in a related job within 180 days of completion."

"The Trump Administration's postsecondary education agenda is straightforward: we should shift away from high-cost, low-value programs to low-cost, high-value programs. Through Workforce Pell, "American students will soon be able to graduate with little to no debt and be well-prepared to start earning in one of today's in-demand jobs in weeks, not years.""

A final rule for Workforce Pell was finalized, expanding federal Pell Grants to students enrolled in certain high-demand, short-term job training courses starting July 1. Pell historically supported low-income students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees, but the new regulations extend aid to certificate programs lasting between eight and 15 weeks that are preapproved by state and federal governments. A Workforce Pell program must be designated by the state as high skill, high wage, or in demand. The state higher education system must demonstrate that at least 70% of enrolled students complete the program and that at least 70% are placed in related jobs within 180 days after completion.

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