Workforce Pell Updates

07/14/2026

Application available July 15 for State-level program approvals
Webinar featuring application walk-through will be held July 21
State and Federal resources and support are available

Dear colleagues,

The Illinois Interagency Workforce Pell Team is sharing information about upcoming events and related resources.

State of Illinois Workforce Pell Application Available July 15

When Congress established the framework for students in certain short-term programs to receive Pell Grants, they required each program to have approval at both the state and federal levels. Institutions that would like their workforce programs to be approved for the Pell Grant must first apply for approval from the State of Illinois.

The state application will be made available July 15 at the state's Workforce Pell hub:
https://www.iccb.org/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-pell/

Webinar: Walk-through of Illinois Workforce Pell Application July 21

Members of the Illinois team will provide an overview of the state Workforce Pell application during a webinar on Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Presenters will demonstrate the application, discuss its requirements, describe the processes for data collection and program approval, and share information on upcoming opportunities for additional technical assistance.

A recording will also be made available at the Workforce Pell hub for those unable to participate.

Resources from the Office of Federal Student Aid

Once an institution's program is approved for Workforce Pell by a state's governor, the institution will need to submit its application to the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) using the Application for Approval to Participate in the Federal Student Financial Assistance Programs, known as the E-App, in the FSA Partner Connect system.

For information about the new Workforce Pell-related features in the E-App, including how to access a recorded webinar and other training resources, see the following recent electronic announcement from the Department:

(ANN-26-10) FSA Partner Connect Training: Managing Workforce Pell Programs
https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/dear-colleague-letters/2026-06-25/fsa-partner-connect-training-managing-workforce-pell-programs-updated-july-1-2026

Further Information on Workforce Pell in Illinois is Available

For additional Illinois-specific Workforce Pell guidance and resources, including a policy manual, FAQs, and a form for submitting comments and questions, please visit the Illinois Workforce Pell hub: https://www.iccb.org/programs-and-initiatives/workforce-pell/.

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