The federal Workforce Pell Grant is a newly authorized grant designed to cover the cost of short-term training programs. This need-based funding is provided to eligible students enrolled in approved short-term, career-focused educational programs. 

Implementing Workforce Pell is a shared responsibility: 

• The Governor consults with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) to designate in-demand industries and identify eligible instructional program areas. 
• MDHEWD provides the labor market and program data analyses, oversees the application program approval process, consults with the SWDB and Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE), and provides recommendations to the Governor. 
• Institutions are responsible for verifying student eligibility and determining award amounts. Institutions must also monitor lifetime usage and prevent double benefits. 
• The U.S. Department of Education affirms value-added earnings and makes the final decision regarding program eligibility. 

The state, in consultation with the State Workforce Development Board, has developed a Workforce Pell Program Policy. The policy offers eligibility requirements, definitions, provides an overview of the state's approval process, and outlines the methodology for determining eligible occupations.

To apply, an institution's authorized representative must:

• Complete the Workforce Pell Interest Form.
• Review the Application Checklist to ensure you have the information and documentation required.
• Use the unique link provided to complete the Workforce Pell Grant application. It is important to use the unique application link provided by email. This link will allow you to save your application progress and return to it at any time during the application window.
• Submit the Workforce Pell Student Data Template through the State of Missouri secure FTP account. We encourage you to use the Data Template Instructions as a guide to ensure you provide the required information.

The purpose of Workforce Pell is to link eligible students to affordable, short-term career training. The grants are designed to cover tuition and fees for programs that lead to industry recognized credentials for employment into in-demand, high-skill, or high-wage jobs.

To be eligible, programs must:

• Be offered by a Title IV institution of higher education 
• Submit an application and all required documentation, including the Workforce Pell Student Data Template
• Provide 150-599 clock hours of instruction during an 8-14 week period
• Ensure total tuition and fees do not exceed the median earnings of program graduates
• Provide credentials that are stackable and portable, allowing students to earn academic credit toward a subsequent certificate or degree program
• Demonstrate a verified completion rate and job placement rates of at least 70% within 180 days of completion

Registered Apprenticeship Programs may also be eligible for Workforce Pell if they meet the eligible criteria. 

Based on an in-depth review of labor market data, as described in the section of the policy regarding methodology for determining eligible occupations, the following 29 occupations and affiliated instructional program areas have been recommended for approval. Each institution with instructional program areas that align to these occupations will need to complete the program application process for consideration. 

NOTE: The related instruction components of Registered Apprenticeship Programs are automatically determined to align with in-demand occupations, even if they are not on the list of Missouri’s approved in-demand occupations below. 

There is no separate application for students to be considered for the Workforce Pell Grant. To be considered, students must simply file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enroll in an eligible program. 

Students should visit StudentAid.Gov to file a FAFSA. The FAFSA typically opens around October 1 each year. We encourage students to file a FAFSA early to qualify for the most financial aid possible. 

Students can check with their institution to determine eligibility for Workforce Pell and other available financial aid. 

For additional information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also email specific questions to  workforcepell@dhewd.mo.gov.