Governor Reeves Announces Mississippi Accepting Workforce Pell Applications

JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Tate Reeves announced that the State Workforce Investment Board has approved a state policy framework to guide Mississippi's review and recommendation process for Workforce Pell Grant programs ahead of the program's July 1, 2026, implementation date.

The new federal Workforce Pell Grant program will allow eligible Pell Grant recipients to use federal aid for approved short-term workforce education programs offered by participating Title IV-eligible colleges and universities. Under federal requirements, eligible workforce programs may be as short as eight weeks and must prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs.

"Mississippi's workforce strategy has helped attract record-breaking private capital investment and train thousands for the jobs of the next 50 years. Workforce Pell will build on that success and better prepare Mississippians for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. By expanding access to high-quality, employer-driven training, we're strengthening our workforce, supporting businesses, and positioning Mississippi for even greater momentum."

To be considered for Workforce Pell eligibility in Mississippi, programs must align with Mississippi's priority workforce needs, including occupations and sectors identified through the state's workforce and labor market priorities. Programs must also lead to a recognized credential and provide academic credit that can be applied toward at least one certificate or degree pathway at an eligible institution.

Students may qualify for Workforce Pell if they meet standard federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, enroll at a participating eligible institution, and are accepted into a short-term workforce program that has been approved through the required state and federal review process.

Established by Congress in 2025, Workforce Pell expands Pell Grant access to certain high-quality, short-term workforce programs that are designed to meet employer demand and support student progression into stackable and portable credentials.

Gov. Reeves designated AccelerateMS, Mississippi's Office of Workforce Development, to coordinate the state's Workforce Pell implementation process. In that role, AccelerateMS will work in consultation with the State Workforce Investment Board to review institutional applications, determine whether programs meet state workforce priorities, and support the submission of qualifying programs for required federal approval.

AccelerateMS will begin accepting institutional applications on July 1, 2026. Interested entities should check https://acceleratems.org/workforce-pell/ for the state's review process and guidance. Eligible programs approved through the state review process must also receive federal approval before students may access Workforce Pell Grant funding.