Tallahassee – September 19, 2026 -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has released the state's initial list of short-term workforce training programs eligible for the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, a Trump Administration initiative extending federal financial aid to non-degree credentials tied directly to employment.
Federal aid now covers short-term credentials tied to labor demand
The Workforce Pell Grant funds programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations, with some credentials completable in as little as 8 weeks. Eligibility is determined using two existing state tools: the Targeted Occupations List managed by FloridaCommerce and the CareerSource Florida Master Credential List.
Commissioner Mack to oversee statewide rollout
DeSantis has delegated implementation to Commissioner of Education Henry Mack, who said the eligible programs sit within high-wage, in-demand industries and will let students enter the workforce with little to no debt. The Florida Department of Education is publishing the full inventory of qualifying programs for public review.
Move builds on $12 billion in prior workforce investment
DeSantis cited Florida's ranking as the nation's number one state for workforce education, noting the new grant program adds to more than $12 billion already committed to workforce initiatives during his administration. Officials framed the grant as a way to strengthen the state's talent pipeline without requiring students to take on loans.