Intent
At a Glance
- Program Type: Federal Pell Grant expansion
- Focus: Short-term, high-value workforce training
- Application: FAFSA – Enrollment into an approved WPG program
- Status: Pending federal implementation
What’s New
- Federal guidance for short-term Pell Grants is in development.
- Texas institutions may begin preparing programs for implementation per the program-defined criteria.
- There is potential for additional reporting requirements.
Updates will be provided as federal rules are finalized.
Program Overview
The Workforce Pell Grant (WPG) program expands federal Pell financial aid to short-term, high-value workforce training programs, designed to support accelerated training that aligns directly with Texas economic priorities. This initiative supports Texans in gaining and strengthening the skills needed for in-demand careers while supporting institutions in strengthening the state’s future workforce and employer partnerships.
WPG Program Purpose:
- Expand Access: Open more pathways to workforce education.
- Increase Attainment: Increase the number of high-value credentials earned within in-demand industries and occupations.
- Reduce Debt: Minimize the financial burden on students entering the workforce.
- Maintain High Quality: Provide high-value workforce education designed to maximize a return on investment.
Eligibility
Review the WPG eligibility requirements.
Steps to Become a Certified and Approved WPG Program:
- Review Eligibility: Review program eligibility requirements to ensure your institution meets all preliminary eligibility criteria.
- Understand the Process: Review the program certification and approval process.
- Submit Certification Form: Once you have reviewed and understood the WPG program requirements, complete the Eligibility Certification Form during the specified submission period.
- THECB Conducts an Internal Review: After the submission of the Eligibility Certification Form, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) internal Review and Certification Team will evaluate each application for completeness, adherence to requirements, and the institution’s capability and capacity for successful implementation.
- Obtain Final Approvals: Once a program is certified by the THECB, it will transition through the remaining certification and approval stages defined within the WPG Guidelines.
How to Apply
Application Coming Soon.
Application Information
Please review the WPG Guidelines before completing the Eligibility Certification Form.
*WPG Program Guidelines and the Eligibility Certification Form are coming soon!
Rules and Regulations
- Statute: H.R. 1 Workforce Pell Grant Program Statute
- Proposed Rules: Workforce Pell Grant Program Proposed Rules
Impact
Why This Matters for Texas
As Texas undergoes rapid economic growth, the need for high-quality workforce education has never been greater. By bridging economic development with strong industry partnerships, a platform for student success and career readiness is created. This initiative cultivates economic mobility, enabling Texans to earn recognized credentials of value that meet industry demands and build a talent-strong Texas.
Benefits to Texas Students
- Access affordable, short-term workforce training.
- Prepare for high-value, in-demand careers.
- Reduce education debt.
- Build pathways to long-term economic mobility.
Benefits to Texas Institutions
- Expand short-term workforce-training capacity.
- Strengthen employer partnerships.
- Increase enrollment, student success, and career readiness.
- Increase regional workforce education outcomes.
Additional Notes
Important Notice:
- Program certification by the THECB does not constitute final approval as an official WPG program. Final certification and approval will be completed by the governor and U.S. Department of Education. A formal approval notification must be received from the U.S. Department of Education to begin WPG implementation. Additionally, it is recommended that financial aid offices prepare for potential WPG program implementation and establish necessary internal processes, per federal guidance, to support federal Pell-eligible students and program leads.
- Workforce Pell Grant program implementation policy and practice have been structured to align with the most recent notice of proposed rulemaking by the U.S. Department of Education. All elements described herein are preliminary and remain subject to change pending the issuance of final program regulations, guidance, and requirements from the U.S. Department of Education. Institutions and stakeholders should be aware that updates or modifications may be necessary to ensure compliance once final rules are published.