WORKFORCE PELL RESOURCE CENTER
State Explorer
Use the State Explorer to compare Workforce Pell activity across states and find key information to support planning, compliance, and implementation readiness.
Workforce Pell State-by-State
Choose a state on the map to view its Workforce Pell implementation details. For an alternative view, see the data table below the map.
Current Workforce Pell implementation information by state.
| State | Current Status | Responsible Agencies | Process Notes | State Website | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL |
Programs Approved by State
|
Alabama Department of Workforce with the Alabama Workforce Board | Lawson State Community College’s Lineworker Training Program has become the first program in Alabama to receive state approval as of September 14, 2026. This is a state approval, not yet a federal one. The Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) in consultation with the Alabama Workforce Board, administers the state application and review process. The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) works in partnership with the Department to prepare its colleges for that process. ADOW will continue reviewing applications from eligible institutions seeking approval for qualifying short-term workforce training programs. A directory of approved Alabama Workforce Pell programs will be published on the ADOW website as approvals are issued. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| AK |
Planning
|
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, the Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) and the Governor's Office | The framework is being developing for institutions to submit eligible programs for state approval and create the oversight and monitoring structure to ensure ongoing eligibility. Updates are provided to all Alaska Title-IV institutions on a quarterly basis about the work underway and timeline for implementation. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| AZ |
Programs Approved by State
|
Office of Economic Opportunity, with the Workforce Arizona Council (Governor's OSI/Talent Ready Arizona) | As of September 17, 2026, the Workforce Arizona Council approved three programs so far for submission to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The next application period begins in Spring 2027. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| AR |
Accepting Applications
|
Arkansas Division of Higher Education | The extended application window is open August 21, 2026, through September 30, 2026. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| CA |
Criteria Published
|
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) | The California Student Aid Commission set October 1, 2026, as the date its institution application portal opens, with a December 15, 2026, deadline for colleges that haven't yet signed data-sharing agreements with the Employment Development Department. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| CO |
Accepting Applications
|
The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) | Institutions' applications were accepted via Colorado's Eligible Training Provider List platform through August 15, 2026. During Fall 2026, the CWDC will review submissions and forward approved programs to the Governor for state certification. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| CT |
Criteria Published
|
Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) | On September 18, 2026, the Office of Workforce Strategy, acting on behalf of the Governor's Workforce Council, published a 37-page draft "Workforce Pell Eligible Program Determination Policy" and opened it for public comment through October 19, 2026. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| DE |
Accepting Applications
|
DE Department of Labor (DDOL) and Office of Workforce Development (OWD) | DDOL opened applications on August 11, 2026, using an occupation-first model against the state High Demand Occupation List. The Workforce Pell Review Committee reviews applications and OWD certifies on the Governor's behalf before Department of Education (ED) submission. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| DC |
Accepting Applications
|
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education | Application portal opened on September 1, 2026, and the first round submissions will be accepted through September 30, 2026. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| FL |
Programs Approved by State
|
The Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) through its Career and Adult Education division | Florida identifies Workforce Pell eligible programs through a state-approved program list developed using existing program frameworks, the Florida Master Credentials List (MCL), labor market data and statewide workforce priority occupations. Institutions offering programs on the state-approved list must complete an institutional certification confirming that the program, as delivered at their institution, meets all federal requirements. Programs approved by the Governor are submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for Workforce Pell participation. On September 17, 2026, Governor DeSantis visited Eastern Florida State College to announce the start of Workforce Pell funding in Florida and delegate statewide implementation to Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| GA |
Accepting Applications
|
The Technical College System fo Georgia (TCSG) | Institution applications are open for TCSG eligibility review. Applications submitted by October 2, 2026, will be reviewed for presentation to the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) on October 19, 2026. Applications submitted after October 2, 2026, will be reviewed for presentation to the SWDB in February 2027. The Governor will make the final state-level approval. Once the SWDB and Governor approve a program and issue a Certification of Approval, the institution submits that certification to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), which makes the final federal determination of eligibility. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| HI |
Planning
|
Workforce Development Division / Workforce Development Council | As of September 10, 2026, an administrative working group is reported as making progress on Workforce Pell implementation with an anticipated first disbursement in August-September 2027. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| ID |
Accepting Applications
|
State Workforce Pell Coordinationg Council | Under the Governor’s executive order established on June 10, 2026, the State Workforce Pell Coordinating Council will oversee implementation of the program. Pilot applications are being accepted. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| IL |
Accepting Applications
|
Illinois Interagency Workforce Pell Team (Governor's Office, ICCB, IBHE, DCEO, IDES, ISAC, IWIB) | First-round applications open July 15-August 31, 2026, for award years 2026-27 and 2027-28. As of September 22, 2026, applications seem to still be accepted. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| IN |
Program Launched
Ivy Tech Community College 8-week Clinical Medical Assistant program
|
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) with Commission for Higher Education (CHE) | The CHE with DWD and the State Workforce Board have established policies and an application process. Programs submitted will be reviewed by the agencies, then forwarded to Indiana's Governor for approval. Programs approved by the Governor will be sent to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for final federal validation. On August 19, 2026, Ivy Tech's Clinical Medical Assistant program received ED approval, the nation's second ED-approved program. For 2026-2027, Indiana will limit Workforce Pell program applications to its public two-year institutions – Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University – as part of its pilot implementation. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| IA |
Program Launched
Iowa Central Community College's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Des Moines Area Community College's Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
|
Iowa Department of Education | On August 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved the nation's first Workforce Pell program for Iowa Central Community College. More programs have been approved by ED, with more having been approved by the state and waiting ED approval. Current application window is open through October 16, 2026. Programs go to the state workforce board and Governor, then to ED for final approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| KS |
Planning
|
Kansas Office of the Governor / KS Board of Regents (KBOR) | As of May 28, 2026, the Kansas Postsecondary Technical Education Authority states that "continued progress is being made in advancing workforce Pell requirements through coordinated efforts among internal KBOR offices and the Department of Commerce." | View | 09/22/2026 |
| KY |
Accepting Applications
|
Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) | The KWIB office is reviewing applications before forwarding to the Governor for review. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| LA |
Accepting Applications
|
Louisiana Workforce Commission (Louisiana Works) | Louisiana Works is partnering with the Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges, proprietary schools, and other statewide partners to identify qualifying programs, align them with the jobs Louisiana employers need to fill, and help workers and career-changers find a clear, affordable path to a credential that counts. Institution-initiated portal submissions begin with award year 2027-28 on a published schedule. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| ME |
Accepting Applications
|
Maine State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) | Program applications will be reviewed quarterly. Applications closed for its first application cycle on September 11, 2026, with board review set for September 25, 2026. SWDB staff processes applications and validates training provider information in partnership with the Center for Workforce Research and Information. The Governor's Office certifies eligible programs for institutional submission to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and issues final decisions on appeals. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MD |
Accepting Applications
|
Governor's Workforce Development Board | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the unified Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and Workforce Pell application on the Maryland Workforce Exchange. Quarterly state eligibility determinations are issued in August, November, February, and May of each year. Once a program receives state approval, the institution submits documentation to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for federal approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MA |
Accepting Applications
|
Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development | On September 9, 2026, the Governor announced that colleges, universities, and training providers must seek state approval by September 25, 2026, to participate in the pilot year. Once a program is state-approved, students apply for the aid through the standard FAFSA process rather than a separate state application, with first cohorts potentially enrolling in early 2027. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MI |
Accepting Applications
|
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) | First application window closed on June 15, 2026, and next application window will open January 15-February 12, 2027. Michigan training providers must request state approval of programs as the first step to seeking eligibility for Workforce Pell funding. Federal law requires the Governor, in consultation with the Michigan Workforce Development Board, Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO), and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), to determine eligible programs before institutions apply for federal program approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MN |
Accepting Applications
|
Office of Higher Education | The application window closed on August 15, 2026, with review underway. The Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) sets program determination criteria; the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) administers application review, data collection, and program approval recommendations; the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) provides labor-market data and analysis to maintain the Priority Occupations list; and the Governor certifies programs for U.S. Department of Education (ED) review. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MS |
Accepting Applications
|
AccelerateMS, with the State Workforce Investment Board | The Governor has designated the Office of Workforce Development, known as AccelerateMS, to coordinate or administer the State review process, subject to the Governor’s final certification and applicable federal requirements. After Governor approval, the eligible institution is responsible for submitting the program and required documentation to the Secretary through the process established by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The Secretary then determines whether the program satisfies federal Workforce Pell eligibility requirements. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MO |
Accepting Applications
|
MO Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) | Current application window ended on August 7, 2026. The Governor consults with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) to designate in-demand industries and identify eligible instructional program areas. MDHEWD provides the labor market and program data analyses, oversees the application program approval process, consults with the SWDB and Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), and provides recommendations to the Governor. Institutions are responsible for verifying student eligibility and determining award amounts. Institutions must also monitor lifetime usage and prevent double benefits. The U.S. Department of Education affirms value-added earnings and makes the final decision regarding program eligibility. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| MT |
Planning
|
MT State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) | As of April 28, 2026, preliminary development of Workforce Pell Program standards is underway to certify eligible programs beginning later this year. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NE |
Program Launched
Metropolitan Community College's CompTIA Tech+ with Google IT Support program, Pharmacy Technician program and Phlebotomy Technician program
|
Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) | Applications are being accepted through the NDOL portal. Applications must be received no later than 45 days prior to a quarterly Nebraska Workforce Development Board (NWDB) meeting to be considered at that meeting. The next upcoming meeting is December 4, 2026. On September 14, 2026, Nebraska became the third state with federally approved Workforce Pell programs. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NV |
Accepting Applications
|
The Nevada Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) | The Workforce Pell application process will be administered in two distinct phases. Phase 1 will begin on July 1, 2026, and will be limited to institutions within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Phase 2 will subsequently expand eligibility to all non‑credit training programs. OWINN, on behalf of the Governor, will ensure alignment with labor market needs and recognized credential requirements. This also includes approval through the Governor’s Workforce Development Board before the Governor’s final approval. After the state’s approval, the final authority rests with the U.S. Department of Education (ED). | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NH |
Planning
|
Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) | Work is underway to certify programs that will be eligible for Workforce Pell for students who qualify. It is anticipated that these programs will be ready to accept students utilizing Workforce Pell grants in early 2027. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NJ |
Programs Approved by State
|
NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) | As of September 2, 2026, there is a Workforce Pell resource page with updated information. The current Workforce Pell pilot year review cycle is closed. Institutions should continue to monitor the State's website for updates regarding future program submission cycles and related guidance. Several programs have been approved by the State and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NM |
Accepting Applications
|
NM Higher Education Department (NMHED) | For the first year (AY 2026-2027), applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The review process may take several months from initial submission to final federal approval. NMHED will inform higher education institutions of the status of their application at each phase in the process. Once a program receives state certification, the institution must submit it to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for final approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NY |
Accepting Applications
|
New York State Department of Labor with the Workforce Pell Advisory Committee | Applications are open on a rolling basis and reviewed by the Workforce Pell Advisory Committee. The Committee meets on the fourth Monday of each month. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| NC |
Programs Approved by State
|
NCWorks Commission | As of September 16, 2026, NC Commerce lists 54 total approved programs. The next quarterly cycle will accept submissions by October 15, 2026, for review on November 18, 2026. Following ETPL approval, the Workforce Pell Grant Program information will be considered by the NCWorks Commission when an institution has indicated in the ETP application system that it is interested in such eligibility. Following approval at the state level, participating institutions will be able to submit their short-term programs for approval to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Institutions are required to send notice of federal approval to the NCWorks Commission. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| ND |
Unknown
|
Not provided | Not provided | 09/22/2026 | |
| OH |
Accepting Applications
|
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) | ODHE has established policies and an application procedure to determine if programs meet the requirements. ODHE will then certify to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) that the program meets the requirements. ED will then conduct its own evaluation process. ODHE is currently accepting applications from eligible institutions. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| OK |
Planning
|
Oklahoma Workforce Commission | As of December 11, 2025, the Oklahoma Workforce Commission "will establish a collaboration committee made up of the major supply-side workforce (higher education, career technology, K-12, and OESC) and formalize partnership workstreams for better collaboration and reduction in potential for duplication. The collaboration committee will serve as an important entry point for coordinating the implementation of new strategies such as the recently enacted Workforce Pell program." | View | 09/22/2026 |
| OR |
Accepting Applications
|
Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) | The HECC has developed an online program approval portal through which institutions of higher education may submit programs to be approved by the State to accept Workforce Pell Grants. After the HECC has approved a program at the state level, the institution will submit that program to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for final approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| PA |
Programs Approved by State
|
PA Department of Education and State Workforce Development Board | Pennsylvania’s eligible postsecondary institutions were invited to submit applications for program review beginning on March 9, 2026. A total of 11 institutions submitted 40 programs for evaluation. The State's site lists the total programs approved for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Federal approval is still required before Workforce Pell funding can begin. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| PR |
Planning
|
Department of Economic Development and Commerce | As of August 30, 2026, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed an executive order to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program, creating an Interagency Workforce Pell Committee. The committee will be chaired by the secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, which will evaluate the programs and make recommendations to the Governor. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| RI |
Accepting Applications
|
RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC) | The pilot application window ran from August 14-September 16, 2026, and is now closed. A multi-tier internal review with the Governor's Workforce Board consultation will go on from August-November 2026. In November 2026, formal certification letters of approval or notices of application denial are expected to be issued to the applying institutions before U.S. Department of Education (ED) submission. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| SC |
Accepting Applications
|
SC Department of Employment and Workforce | Applications are first reviewed by the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (the "State") for completeness; The State Workforce Development Board Committee (SWB) will confirm their requirements; The Coordinating Council for Workforce Development Working Group (CCWD) will confirm their requirements. The finalized feedback from both SWDB and CCWD is given to the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development Executive Committee (CCWD) for approval and issues documentation to the institution which must be sent to the Deparment of Education (ED) for final eligibility determination. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| SD |
Accepting Applications
|
SD Department of Labor & Regulation | The inaugural application window ran from July 1-August 31, 2026. Determinations for that first window are expected by October 1, 2026. The second application window is September 1-October 31, 2026, with an expected determination date of December 31, 2026. Institutions interested in seeking initial or continued Workforce Pell program eligibility will submit an application through Adobe Sign, complete an Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) application in SDWORKS, and upload supporting documentation through SDWORKS. The DLR Workforce Development Division, in coordination with a subcommittee of the Workforce Development Subcommittee, will review applications for eligibility. If eligible, the application will be submitted to the Governor or Secretary of Labor for approval. If approved, a favorable Workforce Pell Program Determination will be issued to the training provider to submit to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for their review and consideration. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| TN |
Accepting Applications
|
TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development + Tennessee Higher Education Commission | Programs must be reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), approved by the State Workforce Development Board, and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for final approval. Institutions should first review the Workforce Pell CIP/SOC Crosswalk to confirm whether their program CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code is tied to an eligible SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| TX |
Program Launched
Kilgore College's Electrical Power Lineman, Phlebotomy Technician and Pharmacy Technician programs; Weatherford College's HVAC, Basic Machining, and Advanced Machining programs
|
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) | On September 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) approved programs. The THECB portal's application window closed on September 1, 2026, with more windows expected to be announced. Submitted programs go through THECB review, Texas Workforce Investment Council input, and the recommended list to the Governor for final certification and ED submission. | View | 09/23/2026 |
| UT |
Planning
|
Utah Board of Higher Education | Not provided | View | 09/22/2026 |
| VT |
Planning
|
VT Office of Workforce Strategy and Development | A taskforce continues to develop timeline and policy for implementation. Their goal is to start with a small pilot mid-year 2027. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| VA |
Planning
|
Virginia Works and Virginia Community College System | The Workforce Pell policy and application are under construction. Updates will be reflected on the Virginia Works website. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| WA |
Planning
|
The Workforce Board | The Workforce Board is working closely with the Washington State Governor’s Office and partners across state government, education, and workforce programs. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| WV |
Planning
|
WV Workforce Development Board | Not provided | View | 09/22/2026 |
| WI |
Accepting Applications
|
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development | Institutions must complete an application for each program for which they are seeking approval. Wisconsin will use a multi-tier review process administered by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in coordination with additional partners and in consultation with the Governor's Council on Workforce Investment (CWI). Once the Governor determines programs meet the state requirements, the U.S. Secretary of Education certifies approval. | View | 09/22/2026 |
| WY |
Unknown
|
Not provided | Not provided | 09/22/2026 |
Sources: Opportunity Data, U.S. Department of Education, Open Campus, and the state website links on this page.