New Federal Law Expands Access to Short-Term Job Training for North Carolinians
Published: July 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2025
New Federal Law Expands Access to Short-Term Job Training for North Carolinians
Workforce Pell Grants to cover high-quality programs that lead directly to careers
RALEIGH, NC — North Carolinians seeking fast, affordable pathways to high-demand careers will have new support thanks to recently passed federal legislation that expands Pell Grant eligibility to include short-term workforce training programs.
Beginning in July 2026, the new Workforce Pell Grant program will allow eligible students to use federal financial aid for short-term, high-quality training programs—some as short as eight weeks depending on instructional hours and program design. These programs lead directly to jobs in high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering and advanced manufacturing, trades and transportation, and information technology.
“This is a major step forward in making higher education more accessible and responsive to today’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “North Carolina’s community colleges have been preparing for this moment—modernizing programs, forming employer partnerships, and positioning students for success in today’s economy. Expanding Pell Grants to include short-term workforce training directly supports the goals of Propel NC—our statewide plan to modernize community colleges through programs, funding, and business models aligned with high-demand, high-wage careers. This landmark expansion of Pell eligibility helps more North Carolinians quickly gain skills, earn credentials, and connect to opportunity. It’s a win for students, employers, and communities across our state.”
U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the legislation earlier this year. Other members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation have voiced support for expanding Pell access to workforce-focused education. The effort has received bipartisan support in recent years, with sponsored and co-sponsored legislation from both Senator Thom Tillis and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
“As we work to strengthen America’s workforce, I’m proud that the core of my PELL Act has been signed into law,” said U.S. Senator Ted Budd. “In just eight weeks, students can earn in-demand credentials suited for today’s evolving labor market, setting them on a path to pursue good-paying jobs and family-sustaining careers. Investing in our workforce is one of the most powerful ways to secure long-term economic growth in North Carolina and beyond.”
Previously, Pell Grants could only be used for curriculum-based programs lasting at least 15 weeks. Under this landmark expansion, students enrolled in approved short-term, non-degree programs at eligible institutions—including North Carolina’s 58 community colleges—can receive support that helps cover tuition, fees, and other expenses.
To prepare for the launch of Workforce Pell by July 1, 2026—aligned with the start of the 2026–2027 academic year—the North Carolina Community College System will finalize program eligibility, student requirements, application processes, and operational updates. These efforts will ensure students can enroll in eligible short-term programs by Fall 2026.
In the meantime, students don’t have to wait. Grant funding is already available through North Carolina’s Short-Term Workforce Development Grant Program, made possible by the General Assembly. Interested students should contact their local community college now to register for upcoming courses and apply for available funds.
The Workforce Pell Grant provisions were incorporated into the Consolidated Appropriations and Workforce Investment Act passed in June 2025.
Media Contact:
Nathan Hardin
Executive Director of Communications
North Carolina Community College System
hardinn@nccommunitycolleges.edu | 704.787.2649
