Workforce Pell Advisory Group

Workforce Pell

In July 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1, which included an expansion of federal Pell Grants to students enrolled in short-term, career-focused postsecondary programs. This policy change is commonly referred to as “Workforce Pell” or Short-Term Pell.” While the law stipulates some basic eligibility standards, most decisions about program approval, design, and oversight are left to the states. Program eligibility and approval are determined by states and the federal government in the following ways:

• Federal law requires programs to meet minimum instructional hours, operate for at least 12 months before approval, and be offered by a Title IV eligible institution.
• Governors approve programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations, align with employer needs, lead to stackable and portable, or academic credit-bearing credentials.
• The federal Department of Education verifies eligibility based on completion and job placement rates and a value-added earnings test comparing program costs to graduate earnings.

What is New Mexico doing for Workforce Pell?

New Mexico is taking meaningful steps toward implementing these new provisions. The New Mexico Higher Education Department and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions have convened an advisory group of stakeholders from both higher education and industry. Beginning in April 2026, this group will focus on developing decision‑making processes for program approvals; establishing definitions related to eligibility; determining verification and oversight procedures; and creating a plan for data measurement, including completion rates, job placement rates, and value‑added earnings. The group will also consider the overall scope and pace of the initial rollout, including the inclusion of up to 25 percent non‑accredited eligible institutions.