Thompson Coburn partner Aaron Lacey was recently quoted in The Chronicle of Higher Education on key considerations for colleges that are interested in participating in Workforce Pell, which goes into effect July 1, 2026.
The article details the ins and outs of the Workforce Pell Grant program, which expands traditional Pell Grant support for low‑income undergraduates by making students in shorter programs, those lasting fewer than 15 weeks, newly eligible.
Aaron notes that the big question for colleges eyeing Workforce Pell is whether the math makes sense. Because the programs are shorter, schools would receive far less per student—ranging from a few thousand dollars to barely over one hundred dollars. And with the broader Pell program already facing major budget shortfalls, the funding outlook could get even tighter.
“You don’t want to make the hurdles so high that no one is interested in or able to” participate, said Aaron.
Read the full article here (subscription required).
