Workforce Pell Grants: Building on a Major Milestone to Help More Americans Achieve Greater Mobility

Last year’s enactment of Workforce Pell Grants as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act marked a major milestone in strengthening America’s talent pipeline, boosting U.S. competitiveness and creating opportunity for more workers. By expanding federal aid to include short-term, high-quality programs, Workforce Pell Grants will enable students and workers to gain in-demand skills more quickly and affordably. This will help employers fill critical talent gaps and help more American workers access in‑demand careers. Business Roundtable has long championed bipartisan efforts to expand Pell Grant eligibility for workforce-aligned programs, and we applaud lawmakers for enacting this important reform.

The U.S. Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on draft regulations to implement Workforce Pell Grants before July 1, 2026. As regulators prepare the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Business Roundtable urges them to prioritize clear rules, interstate coordination and integration with the federal workforce system. Regulatory requirements should remain consistent with the law and ensure states and institutions, including community colleges, offer high‑quality, in‑demand training guided by current and emerging employer needs. Regulations should also support state efforts to align Workforce Pell Grants with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements so federal and state resources are used effectively. Getting implementation right will help ensure Workforce Pell Grants deliver for students, workers, states, training providers and employers.

Workforce Pell Grants represent a powerful step toward building the future‑ready talent development system needed to sustain a world-class workforce. Congress and the Administration should continue advancing policies that expand opportunity, strengthen U.S. competitiveness and enable American workers to succeed in an evolving economy. By building on the bipartisan momentum behind Workforce Pell Grants, we can help ensure the United States remains the global leader in innovation, productivity and economic opportunity.