U.S. Department of Education Approves Second Workforce Pell Grant Program in Indiana

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) approved the nation's second Workforce Pell Grant program in Indiana. Eligible students at Ivy Tech Community College can now use federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Clinical Medical Assistant program, an 8-week program that prepares students for careers in key healthcare professions.

Established in President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Workforce Pell enables eligible students to apply Pell Grants toward short-term, accredited programs that can be completed in as little as 8 weeks. This landmark reform broadens access to postsecondary education beyond traditional two- and four-year career pathways by supporting high-quality, affordable credentials that can be earned quickly and with less student debt.

"President Trump's Workforce Pell Grant program unlocks opportunity for students across the nation, jumpstarting careers and opening pathways to the American dream," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "At a moment when our workforce needs more practical routes into good-paying jobs, Ivy Tech Community College's Workforce Pell Grant program is making history and will create a powerful career pipeline into essential healthcare professions."

"President Trump's Workforce Pell program is giving Hoosiers more ways to gain the skills they need to earn a good wage and build a career," said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. "Not every good-paying job requires a four-year degree, and Hoosiers shouldn't have to take on years of debt to gain the skills employers are looking for. I'm proud that, through Ivy Tech's Clinical Medical Assistant program, Indiana has the nation's second Workforce Pell program approved. We will keep working to connect more Hoosiers with the skills they need to build a great career right here in Indiana."

"Workforce Pell is opening doors for Hoosier students who are ready to take the next step toward a brighter future without taking on overwhelming debt," said Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner. "Ivy Tech's newly approved Workforce Pell program represents our shared commitment to ensuring affordable, high-quality career training is in reach for every Hoosier student."

"This is an exciting opportunity for Hoosiers who are ready to take the next step toward a great career," said Ivy Tech Community College President Marty Pollio. "Workforce Pell will make it possible for more students to access high-quality training, aligned with Indiana's workforce needs. Clinical Medical Assistants are in high demand all across the state, and this approval provides an affordable pathway for Ivy Tech students to build rewarding careers while serving their communities."

To qualify for Workforce Pell, a program must meet rigorous earnings, job placement, and completion benchmarks; have been in operation for at least one year; and receive approval from both the Governor and the U.S. Secretary of Education. The Clinical Medical Assistant program meets these standards, opening the door for students who are seeking to enter the healthcare profession without taking on extreme student debt burdens.

Background

Last year, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law, which established criteria for short-term programs to gain eligibility to receive Workforce Pell.

The Department conducted negotiated rulemaking to establish the regulatory framework for Workforce Pell. The final rule implementing Workforce Pell was published on May 18, 2026, and became effective on July 1, 2026. On August 4, 2026, the Department approved the nation's first Workforce Pell grant program at Iowa Central Community College for Emergency Medical Technicians.

In coordination with state workforce boards, Governors across the country are currently identifying education and training programs that meet the high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand criteria for Workforce Pell eligibility. This process enables state leaders to designate programs that are well positioned to improve employment outcomes and generate strong economic returns for workers and their states.