# U.S. Department of Education Approves Workforce Pell Grants in Texas

The U.S. Department of Education has approved six new Workforce Pell Grant programs in Texas, enabling eligible students at Kilgore College and Weatherford College to access federal Pell grants for short-term career training in high-demand fields. This federal approval expands funding opportunities for workforce development initiatives aimed at preparing students for in-demand jobs and supporting local economic growth.

- **Why this matters:** This approval signals increased federal investment in short-term workforce training programs, creating new funding streams for educational institutions and training providers in Texas.
- Educational institutions and training providers should evaluate opportunities to develop or expand eligible short-term career programs to leverage Pell Grant funding.
- Workforce development contractors and vendors may find increased demand for program support services, curriculum development, and training delivery aligned with federal Pell Grant criteria.
- State and local agencies can coordinate with colleges to maximize the impact of these grants on regional labor market needs and employer partnerships.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Education (ED)
- State of Texas

### Key Quotes
> Texas is leading the way when it comes to making postsecondary education work for American families. Approving these programs is a major step toward opening new market-driven alternatives to traditional two- and four-year degrees.
> — Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education

> By reducing financial barriers to short-term training, Workforce Pell will expand opportunities for our students to pursue rewarding careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce our state's economy depends on.
> — Dr. Staci Martin, President of Kilgore College

> Workforce Pell Grants now cover short-term career training at Kilgore College and Weatherford College. Eligible students have a direct path to better jobs and bigger paychecks. Through programs like these, Texas remains on the path to be #1 in education.
> — Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

### Sources
- [U.S. Department of Education Approves Workforce Pell Grant Programs in Texas | U.S. Department of Education](https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/us-department-of-education-approves-workforce-pell-grant-programs-texas) - ED