U.S. Department of Education expands Workforce Pell grants

The U.S. Department of Education has approved North Carolina as the fifth state to implement Workforce Pell (WFP) grants. This federal program, established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed by President Donald Trump, is designed to provide funding for career and technical education (CTE) rather than traditional four-year degrees.

Implementation of the program began on July 1, 2026. The initiative aims to expand access to workforce-focused credentials that can be completed quickly and at a lower cost, with some programs potentially leading to employment in as little as eight weeks.

Proponents of the program, including Department of Education spokesperson Ellen Keast, suggest the model moves beyond an ‘outdated college-for-all model.’ Supporters also note that short-term credentials may offer a more efficient path for students who might otherwise struggle to complete a bachelor’s degree.