Workforce Pell: An Overview

Across the country, states are working through the complex process of translating federal Workforce Pell policy from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) into operational programs. This includes defining high-wage, high-demand occupations, identifying eligible programs, developing application and review processes, and aligning occupational and program classification systems.

As policymakers continue to shape the final contours of Workforce Pell through ongoing rulemaking in the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee, implementation is already taking shape in a dynamic and evolving environment. Many states are coordinating efforts across governors’ offices, workforce agencies, higher education systems, and state financial aid authorities to be ready when Workforce Pell goes into effect on July 1.

Hear from Cheryl Dowd, Senior Director of Policy Innovations at WCET and the State Authorization Network, for an overview of the current state of Workforce Pell, including the goals of the policy and the requirements states and institutions need to know. Cheryl will provide timely insights to inform policy, data, and implementation strategies as Workforce Pell moves toward launch.

This webinar is the first in a two-part series from the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) supporting Workforce Pell implementation across the Midwest.

Presenters:

Cheryl Dowd, Senior Director of Policy Innovations at WCET and the State Authorization Network
Carrie Wandler, Senior Director of Policy Initiatives, MHEC (Moderator)