Iowa colleges and universities can now apply to take part in a program which awards a new federal Workforce Pell grant to low-income students pursuing short-term, nondegree programs.
The state is the first in the country to launch the Workforce Pell Grant program application, according to a joint Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Workforce Development news release.
The approved programs must be for jobs in high demand by employers and require highly skilled workers.
“With the nation’s first Workforce Pell application, Iowa will identify postsecondary programs with the best completion, employment, and earnings outcomes, ensuring students get a strong return on their investment and employers have the skilled talent pipelines they need here in Iowa,” said McKenzie Snow, Iowa Department of Education director, in the news release.
The Workforce Pell grant— which goes into effect July 1 — is part of the Trump administration’s 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The program expands the pre-existing federal Pell Grant to include students seeking “short-term, non-degree programs, which are between eight and 14 weeks in duration,” the release states.
Some community colleges are hailing the move as a win, particularly rural Iowa.
“In rural Iowa, we don’t necessarily always have the access to resources and programs that may be in metro areas,” said Jesse Ulrich, Iowa Central Community College president. “So, by being able to keep people here, we reduce the brain drain and short-term Workforce Pell is certainly one of those programs that can keep our people here and be able to be trained here and serve local communities.”
The grant also opens up funding options for non-traditional or adult students who may not have previously pursued additional training or certification due to finances, Ulrich said.
Iowa Central Community College is among the postsecondary institutions planning to apply for the program.
Keep reading to find out what else is important to know about the program.
How can colleges and universities apply?
“Postsecondary institutions can access the application, eligibility criteria and technical guidance on the Iowa Department of Education’s Workforce Pell webpage,” release states.
Governors from each state approve eligible programs and the U.S. Department of Education gives the final federal approval.
Which institutions can apply for the program?
The program is open to colleges and universities which participate in federal student aid programs.
What types of nondegree programs would be open to the Workforce Pell grant?
Short-term programs which could qualify for the grant include, emergency medical technician, commercial driver’s license, welding and certified nursing assistant.
Could this program lead to colleges and universities expanding offerings?
Most likely.
Iowa Central Community College is already considering the addition of a large equipment certification following the program announcement, Ulrich said.
How can students apply for aid?
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA and enroll in an approved Workforce Pell program to be eligible for the funds.
“Please note that all programs are currently pending state and U.S. Department of Education approval, which is expected later this year,” the release states.
Samantha Hernandez covers education for the Register. Reach her at (515) 851-0982 or svhernandez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa launches Workforce Pell Grant program for colleges, universities
Reporting by Samantha Hernandez, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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