SANTA FE — New Mexico has launched its application process for colleges and universities to register short-term workforce programs for Workforce Pell funding, giving students who are pursuing short-term career training a new financial aid option.
Workforce Pell is a new expansion of federal Pell Grants that provides financial aid to eligible students to earn meaningful short-term, career-focused postsecondary credentials offered by approved higher education programs.
The initiative will give students a new pathway to gain skills and earn recognized credentials for jobs in high-demand industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology and construction.
By reducing financial barriers to short-term training, Workforce Pell can help more New Mexicans quickly gain the competencies and qualifications needed to enter and advance in high-demand careers.
“Students need more options when it comes to pursuing an education and building a career,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. “Whether that means earning a four-year degree, completing a certificate or gaining specialized skills through short-term training, New Mexico is committed to expanding pathways that help students reach their goals.”
Higher education institutions can now submit eligible short-term workforce programs to the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) for review. NMHED and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will jointly evaluate applications for program quality and alignment with New Mexico’s workforce needs before approved programs are submitted to the State Workforce Development Board for consultation, the Governor’s office for endorsement and the U.S. Department of Education for final approval.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for the 2026-27 academic year. Once programs are approved for Workforce Pell, students will be able to apply for financial aid.
“Workforce Pell will be another tool to support New Mexicans’ access to the training they need to find good jobs and build strong careers,” said NMDWS Secretary Sarita Nair. “This program supports careers in high-demand industries and high-wage, high-skill occupations.”
Eligible programs must be eight to less than 15 weeks in length, provide 150-599 clock hours of instruction or the equivalent credit hours and lead to a recognized postsecondary credential.
More information about Workforce Pell requirements and the application process is available on the Workforce Pell webpage. Participating in higher education programs must meet several federal standards and outcomes, including minimum completion and job placement rates. This rolling process will result in the approval of programs at colleges and universities, which is the first step to making Workforce Pell available to students.
When funding becomes available, students must enroll in an approved program, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and meet federal eligibility requirements.
NMHED and NMDWS developed the state’s Workforce Pell policy framework with input from a statewide advisory group of higher education, workforce, and state agency leaders.
For more information about Workforce Pell, program requirements, and the application process, visit hed.nm.gov.