The NCWorks Commission, in partnership with Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, has officially opened applications for eligible training providers seeking approval to participate in the new Workforce Pell Grant Program.

This landmark initiative expands access to federal Pell Grant financial aid for students enrolled in approved short-term workforce training programs. By making federal funding available for high-quality, career-focused education, the program aims to strengthen North Carolina’s workforce while helping residents acquire in-demand skills for today’s labor market.

The Workforce Pell initiative represents a significant advancement in workforce development by creating new pathways to industry-recognized credentials, certificates, and career opportunities in high-demand sectors across the state.

Application Timeline

Applications for eligible training providers are now open.

Institutions interested in participating should begin the application process as soon as possible.

The NCWorks Commission reviews Workforce Pell applications quarterly.

What Is the Workforce Pell Grant Program?

The Workforce Pell Grant Program expands eligibility for Federal Pell Grants to students enrolled in approved short-term workforce education programs.

Traditionally, Pell Grants have primarily supported students pursuing longer academic programs. Under Workforce Pell, eligible learners can now receive federal financial aid while completing shorter, skills-based training programs designed to prepare them for immediate employment.

The initiative helps reduce financial barriers for students while providing employers with a stronger pipeline of skilled workers.

Governor Josh Stein emphasized that as North Carolina continues attracting record levels of business investment and job creation, Workforce Pell will ensure residents are prepared to take advantage of these opportunities.

Why Workforce Pell Matters

North Carolina continues to experience unprecedented economic growth.

Since taking office in January 2025, Governor Josh Stein has announced:

• More than 42,000 new jobs
• Over $29 billion in new business investments
• Recognition as the Top State for Workforce Development by Site Selection Magazine in January 2026

The Workforce Pell Grant Program directly supports these economic achievements by expanding access to workforce education and helping students gain industry-valued skills.

Objectives of the Program

The Workforce Pell initiative seeks to:

• Expand access to affordable workforce education
• Increase enrollment in short-term career training
• Address employer workforce shortages
• Support high-demand industries
• Strengthen North Carolina’s talent pipeline
• Increase access to industry-recognized credentials
• Improve career pathways for residents
• Support economic competitiveness

Who Can Apply?

Applications are currently being accepted from eligible education and training providers, not individual students.

Institutions wishing to participate must first determine whether their workforce training programs satisfy federal Workforce Pell requirements.

Workforce Pell Eligibility Requirements

Eligible training programs must satisfy several federal criteria, including:

• Last at least eight weeks
• Last fewer than fifteen weeks
• Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
• Count toward academic credit
• Lead to a certificate or degree pathway
• Meet all U.S. Department of Education Workforce Pell requirements

Programs meeting these criteria may proceed through the North Carolina state approval process.

Application Process

Eligible institutions should follow these steps:

Step 1

Review each workforce training program to confirm compliance with federal Workforce Pell requirements.

Step 2

Complete the Eligible Training Provider (ETP) application.

Step 3

Submit the additional documentation required for Workforce Pell approval.

Step 4

The NCWorks Commission conducts quarterly reviews of submitted applications.

Step 5

Upon receiving state approval, institutions may submit their eligible programs to the U.S. Department of Education for final federal approval.

Apply Here

State Approval Process

The NCWorks Commission serves as North Carolina’s lead agency for Workforce Pell implementation.

The Commission adopted the state’s Workforce Pell approval policy in May 2026 following the release of final federal regulations by the U.S. Department of Education.

The review process ensures participating institutions meet both federal and state quality standards.

Governor’s Investment in Workforce Development

Governor Josh Stein has made workforce development a central priority of his administration.

To support implementation of Workforce Pell, the Governor’s proposed 2026–2027 budget includes more than $144,000 to establish a dedicated Workforce Pell Director within the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

If approved by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Workforce Pell Director will:

• Coordinate statewide implementation
• Support institutional approval processes
• Collaborate with workforce partners
• Expand access to approved workforce training programs

Key Partners

Development of North Carolina’s Workforce Pell policy involved collaboration among numerous education and workforce stakeholders through the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

Key partners include:

• NCWorks Commission
• North Carolina Department of Commerce
• North Carolina Community College System
• University of North Carolina System
• North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
• Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships
• U.S. Department of Education

Supporting North Carolina’s Economic Development Strategy

Workforce Pell also advances the state’s broader First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan, which emphasizes:

• Building a resilient workforce
• Preparing workers for future industries
• Expanding access to valuable credentials
• Strengthening employment pathways
• Supporting employer workforce needs

Funding

The NCWorks Commission is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I, supported entirely by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor, totaling $66,329,591.

Benefits of Workforce Pell

Participating institutions and future students stand to benefit through:

• Expanded federal financial aid access
• Increased workforce training enrollment
• Stronger employer partnerships
• Improved workforce readiness
• Support for high-demand industries
• Enhanced credential attainment
• Greater career opportunities
• Increased economic mobility

Why Eligible Institutions Should Apply

Workforce Pell creates an unprecedented opportunity for colleges and workforce training providers to offer federally funded short-term education that aligns directly with employer needs.

By becoming an approved Workforce Pell provider, institutions can attract more students, expand access to career-focused education, and contribute to North Carolina’s rapidly growing economy.

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