Key Terms and Concepts

A

Accreditor

A private, nongovernmental organization that evaluates educational quality and institutional effectiveness. An eligible Workforce Pell program must be offered by an accredited institution that, during the 5 years preceding, has not been subject to any suspension, emergency action, or termination of programs.

Accountability

The framework used to ensure Workforce Pell-supported programs deliver value to learners and meet federal and state expectations.

C

Credential

A recognized academic, technical, or industry-valued achievement awarded upon successful completion of a program or assessment. A credential is often viewed as an umbrella term that includes examples such as degrees, diplomas, licenses, certificates, badges, and professional and industry certifications.

E

Eligible Training Provider (ETP)

An institution or organization approved by a state workforce agency to provide workforce education and training programs eligible for funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). ETPs may include colleges and universities, Registered Apprenticeship Programs, and other public or private workforce training providers.

H

High-Skill, High-Wage, In-Demand Occupation

A designation used by states and workforce agencies to identify occupations that offer strong employment opportunities and economic value. Definitions and methodologies may vary by state.

I

Implementation Status

A designation used to describe a state’s Workforce Pell readiness and progress.

Example statuses for the State Explorer are: Unknown, Planning, Criteria Published, Accepting Applications, Programs Approved by State, and Program Launched (with Participating Programs)

L

Labor Market Information (LMI)

Data on employment trends, wages, occupations, and workforce demand that help inform Workforce Pell eligibility and workforce planning decisions.

P

Pell Grant

A federal grant program that helps eligible students pay for postsecondary education and training. Unlike loans, Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid unless special circumstances occur, such as withdrawal or overpayment.

Program Eligibility

The criteria a training program must meet to qualify for Workforce Pell funding, including federal and state requirements.

R

Reporting Requirements

The data, documentation, and outcomes information institutions may be required to submit to support Workforce Pell participation and accountability.

S

Short-Term Program

An eligible workforce education or training program designed to prepare learners for employment in a specific field or occupation within a shorter timeframe than a traditional degree program.

Stackability

The ability of a credential or training program to build toward additional credentials, certificates, or degrees and support continued education and career advancement.

State Approval Process

The process through which a state reviews and approves Workforce Pell-eligible programs based on established eligibility criteria and workforce needs.

State Workforce Agency

The public agency responsible for workforce development programs, labor market information, and implementation activities within a state.

Student Outcomes

Measures used to evaluate the effectiveness of education and training programs.

Examples may include: Completion rates, employment outcomes, earnings outcomes, credential attainment

V

Value-Added Earnings

The difference between the adjusted median earnings of student completers during the earnings measurement period and 150 percent of the U.S. poverty guidelines applicable to a single individual for such tax year. The cohort for median earnings will only include individuals who completed the program, are working, are not enrolled in any educational program at the time of the calculation, and who received a Pell Grant. An eligible Workforce Pell program’s total published tuition and fees cannot exceed the “value-added earnings” for the program.

W

Workforce Pell

A federal program that expands Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce education and training programs, increasing access to affordable pathways that prepare learners for in-demand careers.