CCC&TI programs approved for Workforce Pell consideration

Three Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute training programs are among the first in North Carolina to receive state-level approval for the new Workforce Pell Grant program.

The college’s Nurse Aide I, Electrical Lineworker, and Truck Driver Training programs were included on the first list of 43 programs approved by the NCWorks Commission, North Carolina’s workforce development board.

The program expands access to federal financial aid for students enrolled in certain short-term workforce training programs.

State approval does not make the grants available immediately. The approval allows each institution to move forward and seek final approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

Once programs receive federal approval, training providers may begin helping eligible students access Workforce Pell Grants to help pay for training. The first step for interested students and job seekers is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The 43 programs approved by the state are offered by 16 North Carolina community colleges. Many are in health care and public safety fields, including nurse aide, emergency medical technician, firefighter, and truck driver training programs.

“As North Carolina starts a new school year, we are creating new opportunities for the students and jobseekers with Workforce Pell Grants,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “Our hard work to implement federal Workforce Pell demonstrates once again that North Carolina is leading the nation in workforce development.”

NCWorks Commission Chair Tom Rabon said the first approved programs represent a new resource for the state.

“The first state-approved Workforce Pell-eligible programs represent a new resource for North Carolina, opening the door for more people to get the training they need,” Rabon said. “This historic milestone is the result of hard work and collaboration by the professionals at the NCWorks Commission, the N.C. Department of Commerce, and our education and workforce partners.”

N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said the program will help students pursue in-demand skills.

“Workforce Pell is a game-changer for students of all ages seeking to access in-demand skills,” Lilley said. “Workforce development is the foundation of economic development, so we must continue to invest in the talented people who make North Carolina strong.”

Eligible programs must meet federal requirements, including lasting at least eight weeks but fewer than 15 weeks. Programs also must align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and count toward academic credit for a certificate or degree program.

The NCWorks Commission plans to continue reviewing Workforce Pell applications on a quarterly basis during the 2026-27 year. Institutions must submit applications by Oct. 15 to be considered at the commission’s November meeting.

Bill Carver, interim president of the North Carolina Community College System, said community colleges across the state are preparing to participate.

“North Carolina’s community colleges look forward to having access to Workforce Pell Grants as a means of helping students improve their lives, earn valuable workforce credentials, and ultimately strengthen their communities,” Carver said. “As planning for implementation continues, all 58 community colleges are preparing to participate in this important initiative.”

Stein designated the NCWorks Commission as the state’s lead agency for implementing Workforce Pell.

The program is part of a broader effort to expand access to industry-valued credentials and strengthen pathways to employment in high-demand fields.