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

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) approved three Workforce Pell Grant programs in Nebraska, marking it the third state in the nation to receive program approvals. Eligible students at Metropolitan Community College can now use Federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, and CompTia Tech+ with Google IT Support programs. These programs aim to prepare students for key healthcare and information technology professions.

The new Workforce Pell program enables eligible students to apply and access grant funds for short-term, accredited, workforce-aligned programs that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. Established under President Trump's signature Working Families Tax Cuts Act and launched by the Department earlier this summer, this reform broadens access to postsecondary education beyond traditional four-year career pathways by supporting high-quality, affordable credentials that can be earned quickly and with less student debt.

"Workforce Pell is all about putting American students and businesses first, propelling students into high-wage, in-demand careers throughout the Cornhusker State," said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. "Nebraska's new approved programs underscore the Trump Administration's commitment to creating more affordable, faster routes to enter the workforce."

"This is tremendous news and it represents tremendous opportunity for getting people the technical training they need to take advantage of high-demand, high-paying, and highly rewarding careers right here in Nebraska," said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. "The funding that will allow students to participate in these short-term programs represents an investment, one that will pay off in dividends. I'm appreciative of the state-federal collaboration that has made this happen so quickly."

"Students shouldn't have to choose between getting the skills they need and spending years in school or taking on significant debt," said Metropolitan Community College President Randy Schmailzl. "Workforce Pell opens the door to faster, more affordable pathways into good careers, and Metropolitan Community College was ready to walk through that door. We've built our short-term workforce programs around what students and employers need, and now eligible students have another way to access those opportunities through Workforce Pell and the short-term education model we've been building for our community."

To qualify for Workforce Pell, a program must meet rigorous earnings, job placement, and completion benchmarks; have been in operation for at least one year; and receive approval from both the Governor and the U.S. Secretary of Education. These three programs meet these standards, opening the door for students who are seeking to enter the healthcare and information technology professions without taking on extreme student debt burdens.

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.

In coordination with state workforce boards, Governors across the country are currently identifying education and training programs that meet the high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand criteria for Workforce Pell eligibility. 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 states.

Contact

Tags