The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish the Workforce Pell Grant program, as part of President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The new program will allow students to use federal grant funds for short-term educational programs in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand sectors.
Starting July 2026, eligible students can use Pell Grants for workforce programs that may last as little as eight weeks. These programs are intended to help students complete their education quickly and enter the workforce with minimal student loan debt. The grants also aim to serve as a step toward earning additional postsecondary credentials.
“With this proposed rule, we take an important step toward building a stronger postsecondary education system – one where the Federal government invests in short-term, high-quality programs aligned with a State’s workforce needs, creating new affordable pathways to upward mobility for America’s students and their families,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “A great education and a better life do not necessarily require a traditional four-year college experience. Starting this summer, students will have more postsecondary options thanks to the Trump Administration.”
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling stated: “President Trump’s historic Working Families Tax Cuts are igniting incredible opportunities for Americans to gain hands-on skills that lead to good-paying jobs. The Department of Labor will continue working closely with the Department of Education to implement America’s Talent Strategy and create more effective pathways to success by bridging the gap between education and employment.”
The proposed rule would allow Pell Grants for workforce programs consisting of 150–599 clock hours over at least eight but less than fifteen weeks. Programs must be approved by state governors after consultation with state workforce boards and meet benchmarks related to completion rates, job placement rates, and value-added earnings.
This NPRM is the second in a series aimed at implementing changes from the Act regarding postsecondary education. The public can comment on the proposal via www.regulations.gov until April 8, 2026; comments sent by fax or email will not be accepted.
The Higher Education Act requires public involvement before such regulations are finalized. Following advice from stakeholders during negotiated rulemaking sessions—including a five-day committee session in December 2025—the Department moved forward with publishing these draft regulations.
More information about the negotiated rulemaking process is available on the Department's website.
