The Iowa Department of Education says Iowa is the first state in the nation to launch an application for short-term, in-demand postsecondary programs seeking to serve students from low-income backgrounds through federal Workforce Pell Grants.
The department and Iowa Workforce Development announced the application process as the state prepares for Workforce Pell Grants to take effect July 1, 2026. The grants will expand federal Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, nondegree programs that last between eight and 14 weeks.
State officials say the goal is to connect students with training that leads to high-demand, high-skill and high-wage jobs. Eligible programs could include fields such as health care, manufacturing, construction trades and information technology.
The department says students interested in the grants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and meet need-based eligibility requirements. Students also must enroll in an approved Workforce Pell program. Programs are still pending state and U.S. Department of Education approval, which is expected later this year.
More information on Workforce Pell Grants as well as other financial aid programs, is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s Scholarships and Grants webpage.
