Workforce Pell

Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce training programs that prepare students for in-demand or high-skill/high-wage occupations. In Tennessee, programs must be reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), approved by the State Workforce Development Board, and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education for final approval.

How to Apply

Institutions should review the eligibility requirements and required materials before applying.

Before You Apply: CIP/SOC Crosswalk

Institutions should first review the Workforce Pell CIP/SOC Crosswalk to confirm whether their program CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code is tied to an eligible SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code.

If the program CIP code is listed, the institution may proceed with the application, provided the program meets all other eligibility requirements. If the program CIP code is not listed, the program is not currently eligible for Workforce Pell review.

The federal CIP/SOC Crosswalk can be found on the CIP webpage.

CIP Code CIP Title Aligned SOC Codes

Basic Program Eligibility

To be considered, a program must generally:

  • Be offered by a Title IV-eligible institution authorized by THEC or exempt.
  • Be 8–14 weeks in length and meet required clock-hour or credit-hour thresholds.
  • Align with an in-demand or high-skill/high-wage occupation.
  • Be validated by employers.
  • Lead to a recognized credential that is stackable and portable, unless it is the only credential required for the occupation.
  • Support continued education through articulation or credit transfer.
  • Meet at least a 70 percent completion rate and 70 percent job placement rate.
  • Demonstrate reasonable cost in relation to expected wages.

Policy and Guidance

Workforce Pell Grant Framework PolicyTennessee’s official framework for program review, approval, monitoring, reporting, appeals, re-application, bilateral agreements, and public transparency.

Workforce Pell GuidanceSupplemental guidance with checklists, application materials, eligibility rubric, and distance education guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions: The FAQ covers program and student eligibility, program requirements, the application process, and more.

Forms and Templates

  • Workforce Pell Guidance, which includes:
    • A Program Eligibility Checklist
    • An Application Checklist
    • A Student Eligibility Checklist
    • Program Eligibility Determination Template
  • Employer Validation Form

Review Process

Complete applications are reviewed by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). TDLWD and THEC verify eligibility, review supporting evidence, and make a recommendation to the State Workforce Development Board. The Board makes the State approval determination. Approved programs must then be submitted by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education for final approval.

Eligible Programs

Approved Workforce Pell programs will be posted here once available.

Distance Education

Workforce Pell may be used for distance education across state lines only when Tennessee has entered into a bilateral agreement with the state where the student is located. Institutions should confirm whether an applicable agreement exists before awarding Workforce Pell funds for out-of-state distance education students.

Contact Us

For questions, please contact Zack Dime, Workforce Programs Specialist, at Zack.Dime@tn.gov.