TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Florida is rolling out a new source of federal financial aid aimed at helping students get into the workforce faster, with an initial list of short-term training programs now eligible for Workforce Pell Grant funding.
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in Tallahassee that Florida has identified its first set of eligible short-term workforce programs as the state begins implementing the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program. The program, described as a Trump Administration priority, provides federal financial aid to students enrolled in short-term workforce training programs that lead directly to employment in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations.
State officials said the Workforce Pell Grant is intended to support continued education and career advancement while strengthening Florida’s workforce pipeline. Eligible programs must prepare students for occupations that show strong labor market demand or meet critical workforce needs in Florida’s economy and communities.
“Florida is number one in workforce education, and the Workforce Pell Grant funding enables us to build on our track record of success,” DeSantis said. “The programs eligible for Workforce Pell funding are preparing students for high-wage, in-demand careers. We’re glad that thousands more Floridians will be able to take advantage of these opportunities without needing to take out loans or break the bank.”
DeSantis has delegated Commissioner of Education Henry Mack to lead the statewide implementation of the Workforce Pell Grant. The Florida Department of Education is using the Targeted Occupations List managed by FloridaCommerce and the CareerSource Florida Master Credential List to determine which programs qualify.
“By prioritizing short-term workforce training that allows students to earn a credential in as little as 8 weeks, the Workforce Pell Grant helps students earn the skills they need to enter the workforce with little to no debt,” Mack said. “The programs identified as eligible for Workforce Pell funding are within high-wage and in-demand industries, ensuring students will be able to find fulfilling careers after completing their programs.”
The announcement also noted that Florida has been named the nation’s number one state for workforce education under DeSantis’ leadership, and said the Workforce Pell Grant adds to the $12 billion already committed during his administration.
More information about Florida’s implementation of the Workforce Pell Grant, including an inventory of eligible programs, is available at www.fldoe.org/workforcepell.