ED Approves First Workforce Pell Program

By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter

The Department of Education (ED) this week announced that it approved the nation’s first Workforce Pell Grant program at Iowa Central Community College, roughly a year after the program was established through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

Under OBBBA, the new Workforce Pell Grant program allows students to use Pell Grants in short‑term, accredited programs lasting 8 to 15 weeks. ED published final regulations for the program in May, outlining the institutional and program requirements, which include meeting earnings, job placement, and completion benchmarks, as well as approval from both the Secretary of Education and a governor.

On Tuesday, ED announced that Iowa Central Community College is the nation’s first institution approved to conduct a Workforce Pell Grant program, specifically through the institution’s Emergency Medical Technician program, a 14-week program that prepares students for “key public safety jobs.”

Education Secretary Linda McMahon celebrated the announcement on Tuesday, saying that the Workforce Pell Grant program will help students “jumpstart their careers.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to providing students with affordable pathways to rewarding careers without taking on significant debt,” McMahon said in a statement. “Thank you to Acting Secretary Sonderling, Governor Reynolds, and Iowa Central Community College for making this a reality – and ensuring that America’s next generation of workers is equipped with the skills they need to succeed.”

Publication Date: 8/6/2026

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ED Approves First Workforce Pell Program

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