ETA - Employment and Training Administration
09/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/23/2026 07:41
US Department of Labor awards $65M to develop, expand access to training opportunities through Workforce Pell Grants
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $65 million in grants to consortia in seven states to help community colleges develop high-quality, short-term programs that can qualify for Workforce Pell funding.
Administered by the department's Employment and Training Administration, this sixth round of Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants funding is awarded to statewide community college systems, or a consortia of community colleges to ensure effective development and expansion of the new programs and support the statewide coordination that is necessary for successful implementation of Workforce Pell Grants.
"Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are building an industry-driven education and workforce system that prepares Americans for the new, high-skilled, high-paying private-sector jobs his Administration is creating," said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. "From advanced manufacturing to shipbuilding, Workforce Pell Grants will help community colleges equip Americans with the necessary skills and credentials, without unnecessary student debt."
The funding significantly contributes to national efforts to rapidly and effectively meet the hiring needs of employers, while also filling critical gaps in high-demand sectors, supporting skill gains, and worker mobility. These awards also break down existing silos between education and state workforce systems, with improved data integration, a key component of this round of funding.
The funding announced today supports seven institutions and 102 consortium members. Grantees will provide training across multiple industry sectors, including artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, nuclear energy, information technology, and shipbuilding.
A list of the Round 6 Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants lead recipients follows this release.
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The department awarded Strengthening Community Colleges Round 6 grants to the following recipients:
Lead college recipients, locations, consortium members, and award amounts| Lead College Recipient | City | State | Consortium Members (including lead college) | Amount |
| State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education (Pueblo Community College) | Pueblo | CO | 15 | $10,771,053 |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo | IA | 15 | $10,800,000 |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College | Senatobia | MS | 15 | $8,544,213 |
| Junior College District of St. Louis | Bridgeton | MO | 12 | $10,798,968 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | RI | 1 | $5,958,273 |
| Pellissippi State Community College | Knoxville | TN | 13 | $7,660,193 |
| Alamo Community College District (Northwest Vista College) | San Antonio | TX | 37 | $10,467,300 |
| Total | $65,000,000 |
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