Workforce Pell takes effect July 1, 2026, and the U.S. Department of Education's final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2026. Each governor must approve eligible programs after consulting the state workforce board, and most institutions cannot enroll students until that approval pipeline is operational. This tracker follows where each state stands. Read the ED announcement.
As of June 2026, seven states are furthest along: Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas are accepting institutional program applications, and Florida has published an eligible-program inventory. Most other states have named a lead agency or are advancing enabling legislation.
The U.S. Department of Education's final rule for Workforce Pell was published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2026; the rule is effective July 20, 2026, and eligible workforce programs may launch on July 1. Implementation now sits with each state: governors, in consultation with their state workforce boards, must approve eligible programs and submit them to USED before institutions can enroll students. The rule phases in stricter accountability over time, with the Value-Added Earnings Test not binding until award year 2030-31. Read the ED announcement.
Click a status filter to narrow the table. Each row links to the most authoritative source available for that state.
| State | Status | Phase | Lead Agency | Last Action | Current Holdup | Notes & Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida FL | Live | Program Inventory Issued ↗ Open Portal | Florida Department of Education (State Board of Education) | Jun 2026 | FL DOE / SBOEState-identified program inventory published; governor certification and USED review precede student enrollment |
Florida took a state-identified approach rather than an institution-application model: the Department of Education published a 2025-2026 Workforce Pell Program Inventory naming 31 eligible programs across 18 federal CIP areas, built from existing program frameworks, the Florida Master Credentials List (MCL), labor market data, and statewide priority occupations. The programs run 150 to 562 clock hours and are mostly career certificates (firefighter, phlebotomy, commercial vehicle driving, EMT, nursing/patient-care assistant, welding, water and wastewater treatment, and public-safety roles). Governor certification and USED review still precede student enrollment. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Iowa IA | Live | First to Launch; Programs Under Review ↗ Open Portal | Iowa Department of Education | Jun 11, 2026 | Iowa DOEFirst-cycle institutional window closed May 15; programs routed through workforce board and Governor to USED; eligible-program list not yet posted |
Iowa was the first state in the country to open its Workforce Pell application: the state application opened April 1, 2026 with a May 15 institutional submission deadline for the first approval cycle (now closed), and June 2026 coverage featured colleges such as Kirkwood building 8-to-15-week offerings in health care, manufacturing, IT, and the trades. Per the state page, programs go to the state workforce board and Governor, then to USED, and "a list of eligible programs will be linked when available" (not yet posted); students apply through the FAFSA, which opens October 1. Eligibility is anchored to Iowa's Workforce Pell H3 Occupation List with SOC-CIP crosswalk, 243 high-demand, high-wage, high-skill occupations (those mapping to eligible programs in its SOC-CIP crosswalk). Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Michigan MI | Live | First-Cycle Window Closed; Approvals Aug ↗ Open Portal | MiLEAP / LEO (with Michigan Workforce Development Board) | Jun 15, 2026 | MiLEAP / LEOFirst-cycle submissions closed June 15; approval or denial letters expected August 2026 |
Michigan LEO published its 2026-27 Program Determination Policies and opened institutional applications via Michigan Training Connect (MiTC). The first-cycle submission deadline of June 15, 2026 has now passed; approval or denial letters are expected by August 2026. Eligibility runs against the state's 2026-27 Eligible Occupations list, 267 occupations filtered to non-degree entry. Lead is shared between MiLEAP, LEO, and the Michigan Workforce Development Board. Contact: mileap-wfpell@michigan.gov. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Minnesota MN | Live | Application Open ↗ Open Portal | Office of Higher Education (with GWDB and DEED) | Jun 2026 | OHE / GWDB / DEEDSecure data portal open; provider applications due 12:00 pm Jun 30 |
After the draft public comment closed May 7, 2026, the interagency workgroup finalized the Program Determination Policy and the Office of Higher Education published institutional application guidance. The secure data file transfer portal opened June 1, 2026; providers must submit the MN Workforce Pell application and all required documentation by 12:00 pm on June 30, 2026. Programs must align with the 2026-27 Priority Occupations List (22 occupations drawn from DEED), and tuition must be below three-year Value-Added Earnings. An institution webinar was held June 17. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Ohio OH | Live | Applications Open ↗ Open Portal | Ohio Department of Higher Education (with OACC) | Jun 2026 | ODHEInstitutions applying now; ODHE determines program eligibility, then governor certification and USED review from July 1 |
The Ohio Department of Higher Education published Workforce Pell guidance and is now accepting program applications from Title IV-eligible institutions: an institution applies to ODHE, which then determines whether each program is eligible. Programs must align with occupations on Ohio's Top Jobs list and lead to a stackable, portable credential that articulates to academic credit. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania PA | Live | Under Review ↗ Open Portal | PA Department of Education + State Workforce Development Board | Apr 17, 2026 | PDE / SWDBInitial approved list under development; SWDB endorsement and Governor approval pending before USED submission |
"2026-2027 PA Workforce Pell Application Guidance" published; institution applications opened March 9 and closed April 17, 2026. Per its initial occupation selection methodology, PDE identified 19 occupations (entry wage at least $23,475 and 100+ projected annual openings), one of the most curated lists in the country, and is now developing the initial approved program list with the State Workforce Development Board for Governor approval and USED submission. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Texas TX | Live | Application Open ↗ Open Portal | Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (with TWC and TWIC) | Jun 2026 | THECB / TWC / TWICApplication deadline extended to June 19; THECB review, then Governor Abbott and USED certification |
THECB published the Workforce Pell Grant Program guidance and opened the institutional Eligibility Certification Form via Qualtrics, with a two-step submission (eligibility certification plus program and student data). The submission deadline was extended to June 19, 2026, 11:59 pm CDT (from the original June 5); THECB then conducts internal review before final certification by Governor Abbott and USED. Eligibility runs against the TWC statewide Target Occupations List: THECB's published WPG Eligible Occupations and Programs crosswalk maps 25 eligible occupations to roughly 363 CIP program codes. Governor Abbott separately announced ~$17M in state short-term training grants (TRUE/TIME). Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Arizona AZ | In Progress | Agency Named | Governor's Office of Strategic Initiatives (Talent Ready Arizona) | May 2026 | OSIInterest list closed June 5; institutional application process expected later this summer from OEO and the Workforce Arizona Council |
Governor Hobbs' Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) launched a public Workforce Pell page under its Talent Ready Arizona initiative with an institutional Interest List form due by June 5, 2026 (now closed). The page directs institutions to watch for the application process later this summer from the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Workforce Arizona Council; no formal application portal or approval framework is published yet. Pima Community College has been coordinating with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity on data-system alignment. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| California CA | In Progress | In Senate Committee | CCC Chancellor's Office / CSAC / CWDB | Jun 3, 2026 | CA SenateAB 1534 referred to Senate Education and Labor committees Jun 3; awaiting hearing |
AB 1534 (Irwin) passed the Assembly floor 61-10 on May 21, 2026 after clearing Appropriations Suspense earlier in the month with EDGE Coalition co-sponsorship; it was transmitted to the Senate and, on June 3, 2026, referred to the Senate Committees on Education and Labor, Public Employment and Retirement (awaiting hearing). Governor Newsom's May Revision budget includes $664,000 to support state Workforce Pell implementation. Source Verified Jun 6, 2026 |
| Colorado CO | In Progress | Comment Closed; Finalizing Policy | Colorado Workforce Development Council | Jun 12, 2026 | CWDC CommentDraft Implementation Policy public comment closed June 12; CWDC finalizing |
CWDC, the designated state board for Workforce Pell consultation, took public comment on its Draft Workforce Pell Implementation Policy through June 12, 2026 and is now finalizing it. HB26-1317 separately advances a unified postsecondary talent system. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Connecticut CT | In Progress | Agency Named | CT Office of Workforce Strategy | Mar 19, 2026 | OWSDrafting state guidance |
Governor Lamont named the Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) as the state lead, coordinating with CT Office of Higher Ed, DOL, CSCU, UConn, and regional workforce boards. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Georgia GA | In Progress | Legislation Stalled | State Workforce Development Board (TCSG-housed) | May 11, 2026 | House Higher EdHB 1345 stalled in committee; 2025-26 biennium adjourned without passage |
HB 1345 would have authorized the State Workforce Development Board to approve eligible workforce training programs for federal Workforce Pell, but stalled in House Higher Education Committee and did not pass before the 2025-26 biennium adjourned sine die in early April 2026. Separately, on May 11, 2026 Governor Kemp signed HB 1302 (Education and Workforce Strategy Act, renaming GOSA to GOEWS and designating TCSG as State Apprenticeship Agency), strengthening the surrounding workforce architecture but not establishing a Workforce Pell approval pathway. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Hawaii HI | In Progress | Legislation Stalled | Workforce Development Council (DLIR), per SB 3282 | Feb 13, 2026 | Senate Ways & MeansSB 3282 SD1 was in WAM at sine die; 2025-26 biennium adjourned May 8 without passage |
SB 3282 (and companion HB 2383) would establish a Workforce Pell Grant Program Approval Committee within WDC. SB 3282 SD1 passed second reading and was referred to Senate Ways and Means in February but did not advance before the Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die May 8, 2026. No alternative executive designation has been announced. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Idaho ID | In Progress | Coordinating Council; Pilot Applications | State Workforce Pell Coordinating Council (Career Technical Education + Idaho Workforce Development Council co-chairs) | Jun 10, 2026 | SWPCCEO 2026-05 council standing up the approved-program registry; pilot cohort first, then broader rollout |
On June 10, 2026 Governor Little signed Executive Order 2026-05 establishing the State Workforce Pell Coordinating Council (SWPCC), co-chaired by the Division of Career Technical Education and the Idaho Workforce Development Council, to recommend eligibility standards, maintain an approved program registry, and ensure federal compliance. WDC had approved an early eligibility policy (in-demand careers matrix) and began accepting program applications around June 1, 2026, initially approving a small pilot cohort before broader rollout. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Illinois IL | In Progress | Working Group | Office of the Governor (DCEO / ICCB / IBHE / IDES co-chairs) | Mar 13, 2026 | State Attainment WGEO 2026-03 working group convening |
Executive Order 2026-03 establishes the State Attainment Working Group and explicitly directs alignment with Workforce Pell implementation. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Indiana IN | In Progress | Administrative Pathway | Indiana Department of Workforce Development (with Commission for Higher Education) | May 15, 2026 | DWD / CHESB 161 stalled at sine die; rollout proceeding administratively under Governor and DWD |
SB 161 (which would have codified a Workforce Pell program approval process under DWD and the governor) passed the Senate 42-2 and cleared House Education, but was recommitted to House Ways and Means and did not reach Governor Braun before the Indiana General Assembly adjourned sine die February 27, 2026. Per Indiana Capital Chronicle (May 15, 2026), the Workforce Pell rollout is proceeding administratively through the Governor and DWD without enabling statute. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Kansas KS | In Progress | Legislation Enacted | Kansas Office of the Governor / KS Board of Regents | Apr 9, 2026 | Governor / RegentsHB 2485 enacted; agency rulemaking next |
Governor Kelly signed HB 2485, directing the governor to approve short-term workforce training programs for Pell grant eligibility. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Kentucky KY | In Progress | Working Group | Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) Workforce Pell Workgroup | Apr 16, 2026 | KWIB WorkgroupEligibility criteria in development |
KWIB convened a Workforce Pell Workgroup developing eligibility criteria and a governance framework across occupational, program, and outcome dimensions. April 16, 2026 quarterly meeting received an update from Dr. David Potter (KY Adult Education) covering occupational, program, and student-outcome criteria. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Louisiana LA | In Progress | Working Group | Louisiana Board of Regents (with LCTCS) | Aug 2025 | Board of RegentsNo new public Workforce Pell action posted in over 9 months; staleness flag |
LCTCS Board agenda included a Workforce Pell update in August 2025; SHEEO reporting credits the Board of Regents with convening industry partners on wages and program eligibility. No new public-facing Workforce Pell action from Board of Regents or LCTCS has surfaced since then. Direct verification with Board of Regents staff recommended. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Maine ME | In Progress | Drafting Guidance | Maine State Workforce Board / Maine DOL | Apr 16, 2026 | Maine SWB / DOLWIOA plan modification, drafting guidance |
2026 WIOA Unified State Plan modification commits to integrating Workforce Pell with the state's Eligible Training Provider List. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Maryland MD | In Progress | Legislation Enacted | Governor / Maryland Higher Education Commission | May 26, 2026 | MHECSB 0509 in effect (June 1); agency rulemaking ahead |
Governor Moore signed SB 0509 "Higher Education – Workforce Pell Grant Program – Implementation" on May 26, 2026 as Chapter 724; effective June 1, 2026. MHEC rulemaking to follow. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Missouri MO | In Progress | Legislation Failed | Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (proposed) | May 15, 2026 | Bills DiedSB 1196 / HB 2585 died at sine die May 15; no successor mechanism named |
SB 1196 (Henderson) and HB 2585 (Casteel), which would have authorized the governor with the state workforce board to approve eligible Workforce Pell programs, died when the 2026 Missouri General Assembly adjourned sine die at 6:00 pm on May 15, 2026. Neither bill appears on the Truly Agreed and Finally Passed list; SB 1196's last status was "S Bills with H Amendments," stranded in the final week. No successor mechanism or executive designation has been announced. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Montana MT | In Progress | Working Group | MT State Workforce Innovation Board / Dept. of Labor and Industry (with OCHE) | Apr 27-28, 2026 | SWIB / DLIDeveloping program standards through 2026 |
SWIB announced it is advancing Workforce Pell implementation under Governor Gianforte's 406 JOBS initiative and is developing program standards to certify programs later in 2026. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Nebraska NE | In Progress | Working Group | Nebraska Department of Labor (Commissioner Thurber) | May 22, 2026 | NE DOL WorkgroupWorkgroup active with CCPE + Governor's office; state team coordinating via MHEC |
DOL Commissioner Thurber is convening a Workforce Pell approval workgroup with CCPE, the Governor's office, and postsecondary institutions. CCPE's May 22, 2026 meeting minutes confirm the workgroup is active and that a state team is coordinating with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Nevada NV | In Progress | Phased Launch (Phase 1 Jul 1) ↗ Open Portal | Governor's Office of Workforce Innovation (GOWINN), with NSHE and DETR | Jun 2026 | GOWINNPhase 1 application process begins July 1 for NSHE institutions; Phase 2 later expands to all non-credit providers |
GOWINN published a Workforce Pell page laying out a phased rollout: Phase 1 of the application process begins July 1, 2026 and is limited to Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions, with Phase 2 expanding to all non-credit training providers. Applications and supporting documentation are submitted to nvworkforcepell@detr.nv.gov, and GOWINN, on behalf of the Governor, certifies alignment with labor market needs. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| New Hampshire NH | In Progress | Enrolled; Awaiting Governor | NH Department of Education / Governor (per HB 1774) | May 21, 2026 | Governor AyotteHB 1774 enrolled; still awaiting Governor Ayotte's signature as of mid-June |
HB 1774 (sponsor Rep. Kofalt) directs the governor to approve Workforce Pell training programs; passed House Mar 11, passed Senate via consent calendar May 14 with amendment 2026-1728s, and the House concurred with the Senate amendment by voice vote on May 21, 2026. The bill remains enrolled and awaiting Governor Ayotte's signature as of June 18; effective July 1, 2026 if signed. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| New Jersey NJ | In Progress | Drafting Guidance | NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development | May 1, 2026 | OSHE / NJDOLInstitution data deadline May 1 passed; July 1 USED submission |
OSHE broadcast names NJDOL and OSHE as joint leads, set May 1 institution data deadline (now passed) and July 1 governor submission to USED. A technical-assistance workshop recording is posted on OSHE's YouTube channel. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| New Mexico NM | In Progress | Working Group | NM Higher Education Department (with NM Department of Workforce Solutions) | May 20, 2026 | NMHED Advisory GroupAdvisory Group meeting biweekly on approval processes, eligibility, oversight, outcome metrics |
NMHED and NMDWS jointly convened a Workforce Pell Advisory Group of higher ed and industry stakeholders. The Group held its third meeting on May 20, 2026 and is now meeting biweekly to develop approval processes, eligibility definitions, oversight, and outcome metrics. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| New York NY | In Progress | Governor Commitment | Governor's Office / SUNY / CUNY (NY DOL drafting plan) | Apr 2026 | Governor / AgenciesNY DOL posted draft plan; no formal lead agency designation |
2026 State of the State commits to seek Workforce Pell eligibility for early childhood education and directs SUNY and CUNY to expand related programs. NY DOL has separately posted a "Workforce Pell Overview and Draft Plan." LaGuardia Community College/CUNY received a ~$2M federal FIPSE grant to launch a Workforce Success Engine for Pell-Eligible Pathways. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| North Carolina NC | In Progress | Policy Adopted; Applications Opening Soon ↗ Open Portal | NCWorks Commission (lead, designated by Governor Stein); NCCCS | May 19, 2026 | NCWorks CommissionPolicy reconciled with the May 19 final rule; per NCWorks, the application process "will open soon" (not yet open) |
On May 14, 2026 the NCWorks Commission adopted Commission Policy CPS 04-2026, establishing eligibility requirements and the application process; Governor Stein designated the Commission as lead agency. The policy was then reviewed for compliance with the May 19 federal final rule, and per the NCWorks Commission the Workforce Pell application process "will open soon" on a quarterly review cycle (it routes through the existing Eligible Training Provider List). Institutions will submit programs against an eligible occupations list of 364 occupations (health care, skilled trades, engineering, and more). Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Oregon OR | In Progress | Working Group | Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) with Workforce and Talent Development Board | Jan 29, 2026 | WTDBNo public Workforce Pell action posted since January 2026 HECC bulletin |
HECC bulletin names Julia Pontoni's Office of Workforce Investments as lead workgroup; the bulletin indicated WTDB was scheduled to approve eligible programs in March 2026, but no public record of that vote has surfaced and the WTDB's May 19, 2026 Talent Summit agenda did not include a Workforce Pell program-approval item. Direct verification with HECC/WTDB staff recommended. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Tennessee TN | In Progress | Legislation Stalled | 114th General Assembly (pending vehicle); Governor | Apr 20, 2026 | Senate / House Finance W&MSB 2193 last on Senate Finance W&M calendar Apr 20; HB 2617 taken off notice in House subcommittee Apr 15 |
SB 2193 / HB 2617 (Taylor / Hill) would require gubernatorial approval of Workforce Pell training programs. SB 2193 was placed on the Senate Finance Ways & Means calendar April 20, 2026; HB 2617 was "taken off notice" in House Finance Ways & Means subcommittee April 15, 2026. Neither bill advanced and no gubernatorial signature has occurred; the legislative vehicle is effectively stalled for this General Assembly. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Utah UT | In Progress | Legislation Enacted | Utah Board of Higher Education (per SB 195, 2026) | Mar 2026 | Board of Higher EdStatute authorizes Governor-to-Board delegation; USHE drafting program approval framework |
SB 195 (Workforce Development), enacted in the 2026 General Session, authorizes the Governor to delegate Workforce Pell program approval to the Utah Board of Higher Education for USHE institutions; this is an outlier higher-ed-led model documented in New America's state implementation playbook. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Vermont VT | In Progress | Drafting Guidance | VT Office of Workforce Strategy and Development / State Workforce Development Board | Jan 8, 2026 | OWSD / SWDBDrafting state guidance |
SWDB strategic goals document filed with the legislature names Workforce Pell integration as a priority and lists implementation partners across VDOL, Agency of Education, and CCV. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Washington WA | In Progress | Working Group | Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (with SBCTC and WSAC, coordinated with Governor's Office) | Dec 2025 - Jan 2026 | Workforce Board / SBCTC / WSACCross-agency coordination |
Workforce Board, SBCTC, and WSAC are coordinating with Governor Ferguson's office on rollout; SBCTC AHEAD Committee met to discuss eligibility and recommendations. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| West Virginia WV | In Progress | Legislation Enacted | WV Workforce Development Board (under Governor) | Apr 1, 2026 | WV Workforce Dev BoardSB 490 enacted; agency rulemaking |
Governor Morrisey signed SB 490, codifying federal law and giving the governor (via the WV Workforce Development Board) authority to approve short-term training programs for Workforce Pell. Morrisey marked the law with an early-June 2026 signing ceremony at New River Community and Technical College alongside companion micro-credentialing legislation. Agency rulemaking and program approval are the next steps. Source Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Alabama AL | Unknown | — | Alabama Commission on Higher Education + Alabama Community College System + Alabama Workforce Council | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific designation located. Governor Ivey appointed former Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed as Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation in January 2025 to coordinate workforce policy across agencies, and the Alabama Talent Triad / ACCS credentialing infrastructure is frequently cited as a state-level model for short-term workforce programs, but no formal Workforce Pell approval process is yet named. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Alaska AK | Unknown | — | Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education + University of Alaska + Alaska Workforce Investment Board | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking governor's office, ACPE, and trade press. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Arkansas AR | Unknown | — | Arkansas Division of Higher Education + Arkansas Workforce Development Board | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located. Arkansas' existing Workforce Challenge Scholarship is a separate state program. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Delaware DE | Unknown | — | Delaware Higher Education Office + Delaware Workforce Development Board | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking governor's office, DOL/Workforce Development Board, and trade press. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| District of Columbia DC | Unknown | — | DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) + DC Workforce Investment Council | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking Mayor's office, OSSE, and DOES. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Massachusetts MA | Unknown | — | MA Department of Higher Education + Workforce Skills Cabinet + MassHire State Workforce Board | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking governor's office, Department of Higher Education, and trade press. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Mississippi MS | Unknown | — | MS Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) + MS Community College Board + AccelerateMS | — | — | Mississippi Today (Feb 6, 2026) quotes AccelerateMS director on early conversations, but no formal lead agency designation, working group, or governor's office action verified. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| North Dakota ND | Unknown | — | North Dakota University System + Job Service North Dakota + Workforce Development Council | — | — | No Workforce Pell-specific action located. Governor Armstrong has a workforce subcabinet meeting biweekly since June 2025 but no Workforce Pell-specific designation found. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Oklahoma OK | Unknown | — | Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education + Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development | — | — | No Workforce Pell-specific action located. Governor Stitt's recent executive orders relate to performance-based funding and higher ed reform, not Workforce Pell. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Rhode Island RI | Unknown | — | RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner + Department of Labor and Training + Governor's Workforce Board | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking governor's office, Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, and trade press. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| South Carolina SC | Unknown | — | SC Commission on Higher Education + SC Technical College System + SC Department of Employment and Workforce | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located. H3197 addresses workforce readiness/FAFSA, not Workforce Pell. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| South Dakota SD | Unknown | — | SD Board of Regents + SD Department of Labor & Regulation + SD Workforce Development Council | — | — | South Dakota's Workforce Development Director participated in NGA Winter 2026 discussions, but no state-specific public-facing action located. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Virginia VA | Unknown | — | State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) + Virginia Community College System + Virginia Works | — | — | No primary-source Workforce Pell designation located. Virginia's pre-existing New Economy Workforce Credential Grant (administered by SCHEV, funding VCCS FastForward) is funded at $23.75M in FY2026, up 76% under Governor Youngkin since FY2021. This is workforce-credential infrastructure that pre-dates Workforce Pell and could serve as a state bridge once federal final rules are adopted, but no Workforce Pell-specific approval process is publicly named. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Wisconsin WI | Unknown | — | Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) + Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) + Department of Workforce Development | — | — | No state-level guidance located after checking governor's office, WTCS, HEAB, and DWD; technical colleges have flagged interest but no formal action. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
| Wyoming WY | Unknown | — | Wyoming Community College Commission + WY Department of Workforce Services | — | — | No public Workforce Pell-specific action located after checking governor's office, state higher ed agency, and trade press. Verified Jun 18, 2026 |
This is a living tracker. If your state has issued guidance, named a lead agency, or moved on Workforce Pell in any way that's not reflected here, send a note with a link to the source and we'll update within 48 hours.
Workforce Pell takes effect July 1, 2026, and the U.S. Department of Education's final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2026. Eligible programs run 150 to 599 clock hours over 8 to 15 weeks. Unlike a traditional Pell Grant, Workforce Pell can fund short-term workforce training, and students who already hold a bachelor's degree may qualify.
As of June 2026, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas have opened institutional program applications, and Florida has published an eligible-program inventory. Most other states have named a lead agency or are advancing enabling legislation.
Each governor, after consulting the state workforce board, approves eligible programs and submits them to the U.S. Department of Education. States designate a lead agency, usually a higher-education or workforce body, to run the application and review process.
It varies by state. Published eligible-occupation lists range from Pennsylvania's 19 and Texas's 25 to Minnesota's 22, Iowa's 243, Michigan's 267, and North Carolina's 364. Florida instead issued an inventory of 31 eligible programs.
Most states first publish an eligible-occupation list, which is the universe of qualifying occupations. Institutions then apply to have specific programs approved against that list. Approved-program rosters still require governor certification and U.S. Department of Education review, with most expected in summer 2026.
Workforce Pell hands states the decisive role: a governor must approve programs, after consulting the state workforce board, before institutions can submit them to the U.S. Department of Education. Each state has to stand up an approval process, name a lead agency, designate eligible occupations, and publish guidance institutions can act on.
Where a state has published its eligible-occupation list, we link the source document and report its size. The lists vary by an order of magnitude: Pennsylvania 19, Texas 25, Minnesota 22, Iowa 243, Michigan 267, and North Carolina 364. Most are eligibility universes; the approved-program lists that flow from them are still in state review. Florida is the exception, publishing a 2025-26 inventory of 31 eligible programs rather than an occupation list.
Sources include state higher-education agency sites, governor press releases, state workforce board minutes, and trade-press reporting. For how the live states define eligible programs and occupations, set side by side with list sizes, wage bars, and decision logic, see the State Approval Comparison.