MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Some Alabamians looking to gain workforce credentials will be able to fund their training through a new program tied to federal Pell grants.
Gov. Kay Ivey and Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed announced on Tuesday the launch of Alabama’s Workforce Pell grant initiative. The program will expand federal Pell Grant eligibility to include certain short-term training programs for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand occupations.
The expansion was part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress in 2025. The state of Alabama has also been emphasizing the importance of career and technical education, allocating millions of dollars to programs across the state.
The federal government typically awards Pell Grants to low-income undergraduate students who attend traditional higher education programs, but the new Workforce Pell means that the more than 30% of Alabamians who do not attend college can tap into that funding.
Pell grants are not loans and do not need to be repaid.
“Alabama’s workforce is one of our greatest strengths, and we must continue giving our citizens the tools they need to compete and succeed,” Ivey said in a statement. “Workforce Pell will provide more Alabamians with an affordable option to gain industry-relevant training, earn valuable expertise and begin rewarding careers in the communities they call home.”
Training and credential programs must meet several requirements to be eligible to receive the funding.
They must last between eight and 15 weeks, with between 150 and 599 hours of instruction. Only programs that have operated in their current form for at least one year and that participate in federal student aid programs will be eligible.
Programs must also lead to a recognized credential for a career included on Alabama’s list of “in-demand” occupations. That includes jobs in a wide range of industries, from construction and manufacturing to business administration and education.
“Workforce Pell creates another pathway for Alabamians to gain the skills and credentials needed to compete for in-demand jobs,” Reed said in a statement. “By connecting financial assistance with career-focused programs that demonstrate strong completion and employment outcomes, we can help more individuals move into meaningful work while supporting the workforce needs of Alabama employers.”
Programs will also only be eligible if they have completion and job placement rates higher than 70%. Instruction related to registered apprenticeship programs may automatically qualify.
The Alabama Department of Workforce will administer the application and review process for institutions wanting to become eligible programs. Both the state and federal government must sign off on programs before they can accept Pell Grant money.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, determines if students are eligible for a Pell Grant. If they receive a grant, eligible programs will automatically apply the funding when students enroll.
As the state and federal governments approve more programs, a list of eligible institutions will be available on the Department of Workforce’s website.