State opens application portal for Workforce Pell Program

New York has opened an application portal for the Workforce Pell Program, a state initiative designed to expand access to federal Pell Grants for students in high-demand, short-term postsecondary training. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that eligible programs typically last between eight and 15 weeks (150 to 599 clock hours), aiming to make quicker credentials more affordable while helping thousands of New Yorkers build careers in sectors like advanced manufacturing and healthcare. Hochul said the program will level the playing field for working families and create a pipeline of skilled talent for the state’s fastest-growing industries. Institutions can apply to have programs certified, with monthly reviews by a new Workforce Pell Advisory Committee.