MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed announced Tuesday the launch of Alabama’s Workforce Pell approval process, a new initiative aimed at expanding access to short-term, career-focused training programs for qualifying residents.
The Workforce Pell initiative expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to approved short-term training programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or in-demand occupations. Eligible participants will be able to earn workforce credentials without enrolling in a traditional degree program.
“Alabama’s workforce is one of our greatest strengths, and we must continue giving our citizens the tools they need to compete and succeed,” Gov. Ivey said. “Workforce Pell will provide more Alabamians with an affordable option to gain industry-relevant training, earn valuable expertise and begin rewarding careers in the communities they call home.”
The Alabama Department of Workforce will oversee the state application and review process for institutions seeking approval for eligible training programs.
“Workforce Pell creates another pathway for Alabamians to gain the skills and credentials needed to compete for in-demand jobs,” Reed said. “By connecting financial assistance with career-focused programs that demonstrate strong completion and employment outcomes, we can help more individuals move into meaningful work while supporting the workforce needs of Alabama employers.”
According to the state, eligible training programs generally must provide between eight and less than 15 weeks of instruction and include between 150 and 599 clock hours, or the equivalent academic credit hours.
Programs must also:
- Prepare students for an occupation listed on Alabama’s In-Demand Occupations List.
- Lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is portable and stackable, or the sole recognized credential for the occupation.
- Meet employer hiring requirements for the target occupation.
- Demonstrate at least a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate.
- Have operated in their current form for at least 12 months.
- Be offered by an eligible institution participating in federal student aid programs.
Programs that provide related technical instruction for a Registered Apprenticeship may automatically satisfy certain in-demand occupation and employer-alignment requirements.
Before students can receive Workforce Pell funding, programs must receive both state and federal approval. After approval by the governor, eligible programs will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for final eligibility determination.
Once approved programs become available, eligible students will apply for assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Workforce Pell awards will be prorated based on the federal Pell Grant award and will not require repayment.
Students will enroll directly through an approved institution, which will verify eligibility and administer funding. Workforce Pell cannot be used simultaneously with a traditional Pell Grant, and awards will count toward the federal lifetime Pell Grant limit.
A directory of approved Workforce Pell programs will be published on the Alabama Department of Workforce website as approvals are issued. Prospective students may also contact an Alabama Community College System institution or an AlabamaWorks! partner for information about training opportunities.
For more information about Workforce Pell or the application process, visit http://workforce.alabama.gov/educators/workforce-pell-grants or email wfp@workforce.alabama.gov.
