At its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Georgia’s State Workforce Development Board approved four Technical College System of Georgia programs for Workforce Pell funding consideration. The action is Georgia’s first step toward making federal financial aid available for these short-term training options. The programs may begin using Workforce Pell funding after authorization from the U.S. Department of Education. The approved programs are:

• 8-Week Electrical Lineworker Apprenticeship (South Georgia Technical College) 
• 8-Week Commercial Driving Class A (Lanier Technical College)
• 8-Week Commercial Driving Class A (North Georgia Technical College)
• 11-Week Commercial Driving Class A (Oconee Fall Line Technical College)

The State Workforce Development Board evaluates proposed programs against state and federal requirements and Georgia’s workforce priorities, including the state’s High Demand Career List.

“Georgia is making it easier for hardworking Georgians to gain the skills they need to move into good-paying careers,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. “These first programs, with many more to come, will transform Workforce Pell into a practical opportunity for Georgians who want a faster path to work and for job creators in need of capable employees.”

Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility beyond traditional, longer-term postsecondary programs to qualifying training that lasts 8 to 14 weeks, or 150 to 599 clock hours. Eligible programs must prepare students for in-demand careers and meet required quality and performance standards. 

“Workforce Pell gives more Georgians the opportunity to get the skills they need for a career without having to commit to a longer-term program,” said TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier. “These first four programs are a strong start. They give students access to quality, in-demand training while helping our colleges respond quickly to what employers need.”

Programs approved through the Workforce Pell process must continue to satisfy federal and state accountability requirements, including measures related to completion, employment outcomes, and value to students. Additional programs may be considered as institutions complete the approval process.

Students interested in Workforce Pell-eligible programs should contact the financial aid office at their participating institution and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. More information, including FAQs and application guidance, is available at the Workforce Pell Georgia website.