Workforce Pell is designed to expand access to training that prepares students for high-skill, high-wage, in-demand careers. Eligible students may use federal Pell Grant funds to help pay for certain short-term workforce training programs.

Wake Tech is working with state and federal partners to establish Workforce Pell eligibility for select workforce training programs. Only programs that meet federal and state requirements and receive the required approvals may participate.

The following Wake Tech programs have been approved by North Carolina and are awaiting federal approval for Workforce Pell:

• Biowork Process Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Mechatronics Technologist

NOTE: This page will be updated as additional programs become eligible and as new information becomes available. But a program being listed here does not mean Workforce Pell funding is currently available. Funding cannot be awarded until the program completes the required state and federal approval process.

To qualify as an eligible workforce program, a program generally must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least eight weeks but less than 15 weeks in length
• Include 150 to 599 clock hours of instruction, or the federally approved credit-hour equivalent
• Meet federal requirements related to program quality and workforce outcomes
• Receive required state certification and U.S. Department of Education approval

Who may be eligible?

Students must meet the following requirements to seek Workforce Pell funds:

• Complete the FAFSA
• Meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements
• Enroll in an approved Workforce Pell program
• Meet applicable attendance, satisfactory academic progress and other program requirements

NOTE: Being enrolled in an eligible program does not guarantee that a student will receive a Pell Grant. Eligibility is determined based on the student's individual circumstances.

Students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree may also be eligible for Workforce Pell if they meet federal requirements. Additional restrictions apply to students with certain graduate-level enrollment or credentials.

Why Workforce Pell matters

Workforce Pell can help eligible students:

• Pay for qualifying short-term workforce training
• Earn industry-recognized credentials
• Prepare for high-demand career opportunities
• Enter or advance in the workforce
• Continue their education through additional credentials or programs

Questions?

Financial Aid questions: Contact the Wake Tech Financial Aid Office for questions about Pell Grant eligibility and financial aid.

Program questions: Contact the appropriate Workforce Development office for questions about admissions, schedules, program requirements and enrollment. Not all Workforce Development programs are eligible for Workforce Pell, so students should check this page or contact Wake Tech before assuming that financial aid is available for a particular program.