Gov. Abbott Extends Workforce Pell Grant Applications

AUSTIN, TX — Texas colleges and technical schools will have additional time to apply to participate in the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program after Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that the state is extending the application period.

The extension is intended to expand access to short-term workforce training programs that prepare Texans for high-demand careers in fields including construction, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and other skilled trades.

"The Workforce Pell Grant marks a historic expansion of opportunity for Texans," Abbott said in a statement. "This program delivers short-term, high-value training that produces industry-recognized credentials. More Texans will gain a direct path to better jobs, bigger paychecks, and stronger careers."

The Workforce Pell Grant program was established under the Trump administration through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025. The program provides federal financial aid for eligible short-term certificate and credential programs, with the goal of helping working adults, recent high school graduates and other Texans quickly earn credentials for in-demand, high-wage careers.

Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wynn Rosser said the state has seen strong interest from colleges and universities seeking to participate.

"We are encouraged by the positive response to the new Workforce Pell Grant program from Texas institutions of higher education," Rosser said. "Our goal is to make Workforce Pell opportunities available in every region of Texas across a broad range of occupations that expand opportunity and strengthen economic mobility for Texans."

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is administering the program in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Workforce Investment Council.

To qualify, training programs must address workforce needs and meet federal performance standards, including a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will continue reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Once eligible programs receive final approval from the U.S. Department of Education, participating Texas colleges and technical schools will be able to award Workforce Pell Grants to qualifying students.

Additional information, including application requirements and deadlines, is available through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.