U.S. Department of Education Approves Workforce Pell Grant Programs in Texas

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) approved six new Workforce Pell Grant programs in Texas, making it the fourth state in the nation to receive program approvals. Eligible students at Kilgore College and Weatherford College can now use Federal Pell grants to enroll in short-term, high-quality career training programs designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs.

The Trump Administration's Workforce Pell Grant program allows eligible students enrolled in short-term programs, including fields such as healthcare services, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand sectors, to access Federal Pell Grant funds for the first time. At Kilgore College, students can now use these federal grants to enroll in Electrical Power Lineman, Phlebotomy Technician, and Pharmacy Technician programs. At Weatherford College, students can now use federal dollars to access HVAC, Basic Machining, and Advanced Machining programs.

"Texas is leading the way when it comes to making postsecondary education work for American families. Approving these programs is a major step toward opening new market-driven alternatives to traditional two- and four-year degrees," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "We are proud to partner with Texas colleges and state leaders to support in-demand, high-quality programs that will open new career pathways for thousands of students across the Lone Star State."

"Workforce Pell Grants now cover short-term career training at Kilgore College and Weatherford College," said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. "Eligible students have a direct path to better jobs and bigger paychecks. Through programs like these, Texas remains on the path to be #1 in education. I thank President Trump and Secretary McMahon for this approval."

"By reducing financial barriers to short-term training, Workforce Pell will expand opportunities for our students to pursue rewarding careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce our state's economy depends on," said Kilgore College President Dr. Staci Martin.

"Weatherford College is exceedingly proud to partner with state and national leaders to implement the new Workforce Pell Grant program," said Weatherford College President Dr. Tod Allen Farmer. "These new grants will simultaneously bring a whole new sector of citizens into the skilled workforce, and it will provide our thriving business community with the skilled labor that it needs to proper and flourish."

Kilgore College and Weatherford College join a growing list of institutions from across the nation that are approved to offer Workforce Pell-eligible programs. The Department will continue working closely with states, institutions of higher education, and employers to accelerate high-quality program approvals and expand options for students seeking shorter-term, career-focused training.

Background:

Last year, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law, which established criteria for short-term programs to gain eligibility to receive Workforce Pell.

The Department conducted negotiated rulemaking to establish the regulatory framework for Workforce Pell. The final rule implementing Workforce Pell was published on May 18, 2026, and became effective on July 1, 2026.

On August 4, 2026, the Department approved the nation's first Workforce Pell grant program at Iowa Central Community College to prepare Emergency Medical Technicians. On August 19, 2026, the Department approved the nation's second Workforce Pell grant program at Ivy Tech Community College to train Clinical Medical Assistants. Nebraska's Metropolitan Community College received approval for three programs on September 16, 2026.

In coordination with state workforce boards, Governors across the country are currently identifying education and training programs that meet the high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand eligibility criteria for Workforce Pell programs. This process enables state leaders to designate programs that are well positioned to improve employment outcomes and generate strong economic returns for workers and their local communities.