Nebraska Workforce Pell Programs Approved by U.S. Department of Education
LINCOLN, NE — Nebraska’s first Workforce Pell Grant Programs have been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, expanding access to short-term, career-focused training programs for workers across the state. Nebraska is the third state in the nation to receive approval. The announcement comes after Governor Jim Pillen and state partners launched Nebraska’s Workforce Pell initiative in July at Metropolitan Community College. MCC programs earning approval include CompTIA Tech + with Google IT Support, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.
“This is a major win for Nebraska’s workforce. This approval means we can get more people trained and into high-demand and high paying careers,” said Gov. Pillen. “My administration has been highly focused on pursuing federal funding that will help Nebraska grow, including its workforce. Nebraska is open for business, and these programs will help put people on career pathways that will enable them to stay in-state.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s approval confirms that MCC’s new programs meet federal requirements, including strong completion and job placement standards. Programs must demonstrate at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate, and tuition cannot exceed the value-added earnings calculations determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
“Employers across the state have been calling for faster, more flexible training options,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. “Now that these programs are greenlighted, Nebraska can scale other high-quality programs that align directly with industry needs. Workforce Pell is a game changer for businesses, workers, and our state’s economy.”
The Workforce Pell initiative builds on Nebraska’s statewide commitment to expanding high-quality, workforce-aligned training pathways. Institutions apply through the Nebraska Department of Labor, and eligible students follow the same application process used for traditional Pell Grants. The approval enables federal Pell Grant funding to be used toward fast-paced, high-demand programs that help Nebraskans prepare for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.
Opportunities for Future Programs
The Nebraska Department of Labor has identified the following high-demand fields as opportunities to develop additional Workforce Pell programs:
• Healthcare
• Trades and Construction
• Transportation and Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Public Safety
• Business and Administration
• Agriculture and Equipment
More Information
Institutions can find application materials, policies, and a full list of approved occupations at dol.nebraska.gov.
Students interested in enrolling should contact their community college or visit their institution’s financial aid office.
The full US Department of Education press release is available here: https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-approves-workforce-pell-grant-programs-nebraska