Governor Healey Opens Workforce Pell Applications to Expand Short-Term Job Training

Governor Healey Opens Workforce Pell Applications to Expand Short-Term Job Training

 Colleges, universities and eligible training providers can seek state approval by September 25; first programs could begin enrolling students in early 2027

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today announced that Massachusetts has opened the application process for colleges, universities and eligible training providers seeking state approval to offer short-term programs through the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program. Programs that receive both state and federal approval will allow eligible students to use Pell Grant aid for training that can be completed in as little as eight weeks and prepares them for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs.

Workforce Pell extends Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce programs that were previously too short to qualify. This will give students, career changers and working adults a new way to use federal financial aid to earn recognized credentials more quickly and move into good jobs without first enrolling in a longer degree program.

“Our administration is committed to helping people get the skills they need to land good jobs and build a strong future here in Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Workforce Pell will make it more affordable for students and working adults to train for careers in health care, education, manufacturing, the skilled trades, and other growing industries. This is how we help people get ahead, support our employers and keep Massachusetts competitive.” 

“Whether someone is starting their career, looking to make a change or ready to take the next step, they should have a clear and affordable pathway to a good job,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Workforce Pell brings educators, workforce partners and employers together to give people the skills they need and strengthen the workforce in communities across Massachusetts.”

Workforce Pell builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to make education and job training more affordable and accessible, including free community college and significantly expanding access to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities over the next decade. Since Governor Healey took office, Massachusetts has registered more than 12,250 apprentices in programs that combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Together, these initiatives are creating more pathways for students and workers to gain the skills and credentials that lead to good jobs.

During the pilot year, programs must prepare students for occupations in priority industries that reflect workforce demand and existing training capacity. These industries include health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, education, information technology and hospitality. The full list of eligible pilot occupations is available on the Workforce Pell website.

 

“Workforce Pell provides another tool for people to gain the skills employers need and for pathways to careers essential to our economic growth,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “By working closely with education, workforce, research, and employer partners, we are building an approach that responds to real labor market demand, delivers strong outcomes for students and workers, and strengthens the talent pipeline in critical industries across Massachusetts.”

“Every learner deserves a pathway to a rewarding career and a future filled with opportunity,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “We have made historic investments to remove barriers to education and help more people turn learning into opportunity. Workforce Pell builds on those efforts by opening more doors for students and working adults to gain the skills and credentials they need to take their next step, whether they are starting a career, changing careers or building on the skills they already have.” 

To protect students and taxpayers and ensure that participating programs provide high-quality training connected to meaningful employment, eligible programs must:

• Last at least eight weeks but fewer than 15 weeks and include 150 to 599 clock hours, or the credit-hour equivalent
• Lead to a recognized credential or certification
• Prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs
• Align with employer hiring needs 
• Demonstrate strong results in program completion, employment and earnings; 
• Meet federal standards for quality and value
• Have been offered for at least one year and met all applicable requirements during that period
• Meet all other state approval requirements
  
  

The application process now underway is for schools and training providers, not students. Once approved programs begin enrolling, students will apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA and work with their school’s financial aid office to determine whether they qualify. There is no separate federal application for Workforce Pell. For more information about Workforce Pell and the application process, visit Preparing for Workforce Pell | Mass.gov.