Title IV Postsecondary Institutions: Workforce Pell Program Application Now Open

August 12, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2026

Title IV Postsecondary Institutions: Workforce Pell Program Application Now Open

MAINE- The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) - https://www.maine.gov/swb/board/index.shtml announced the launch of Maine's Workforce Pell Application - https://www.worksourcemaine.com/pages/workforce-pell , providing eligible Title IV postsecondary institutions with an online process to seek approval to offer Workforce Pell-eligible programs.

The launch of the application follows the U.S. Department of Education's publication of the final Workforce Pell regulations - https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-issues-final-rule-create-new-workforce-pell-grant-program (effective July 20, 2026). Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to approved short-term workforce training programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. Under Workforce Pell, states are responsible for reviewing and certifying eligible programs before approval by the U.S. Department of Education.

"Workforce Pell opens the door to new education and career opportunities for more people across our state," said Vaughan Woodruff, Chair, State Workforce Development Board. "The Maine Workforce Pell program makes it easier for individuals to access those opportunities, strengthening the futures of Maine workers and Maine's businesses."

On July 30, the SWDB approved the Maine Workforce Pell Program Determination Policy - https://www.worksourcemaine.com/sites/default/files/2026-08/final-workforce-pell-determination-policy-8.11.2026.pdf , establishing the state's process for identifying, reviewing, and recommending eligible short-term workforce training programs for Workforce Pell. Developed in partnership with the Maine Department of Labor, Maine Department of Education, Finance Authority of Maine, Maine Community College System, and University of Maine System, the policy is designed to align eligible programs with high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupations; ensure quality outcomes for students; and provide a transparent and consistent process for institutions and learners.

"Workforce Pell is an important step toward building a stronger workforce and expanding opportunities for people to gain the skills they need to succeed," said Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor. "By aligning short-term training with the skills Maine employers need, these programs will create pathways to good jobs and help businesses find qualified workers. The State Workforce Development Board's clear, transparent process will ensure training prepares people for in-demand careers while meeting the needs of Maine's economy."

To be eligible for state certification, programs must meet all federal Workforce Pell eligibility requirements, including:

• Be offered by an accredited public, nonprofit, or for-profit entity eligible to participate in student aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act;

• Have been in operation and met certain eligibility criteria under federal law for at least the 12-month period immediately preceding the request for program approval;

• Have a duration of 150-599 clock hours (or the equivalent credit hours) and at least 8 but fewer than 15 weeks of instruction;

• Have alignment with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations or sectors;

• Meet the hiring requirements of potential employers;

• Lead to a recognized postsecondary credential that is stackable and portable (or prepares students for employment for which there is only one recognized postsecondary credential);

• Ensure that a student is eligible to receive academic credit for at least one certificate or degree program at one or more eligible institutions;

• Demonstrate a 70% completion rate (within 150% of normal time) and 70% job placement rate (second quarter after exiting the program);

• Satisfy the U.S. Department of Educations value-added earnings standard; and

• Not be a correspondence course, study abroad, or a direct assessment program.

Program applications will be reviewed quarterly by the SWDB. To be considered during the September review cycle, institutions should submit applications by Friday, September 11. Institutions can access the application and additional guidance at https://www.worksourcemaine.com/pages/workforce-pell .

All applications submitted will be evaluated by the SWDB, which will make recommendations to the Governor regarding official state certification. Programs certified by the Governor will then be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for final approval. Following federal approval, the SWDB will publish the list of Maine-certified Workforce Pell programs on the Maine Workforce Pell website within 30 days.

Workforce Pell Informational Webinar

The SWDB will host webinars for eligible institutions on Friday, August 14, and Monday, August 31, at noon to provide an overview of the application process and federal eligibility requirements. Registration information is available on the Maine Workforce Pell website - https://www.worksourcemaine.com/pages/workforce-pell . A recording of the webinar will also be posted to the website for those who are unable to attend.