The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

In a notice of proposed rulemaking, the DOL explained that the proposed regulation stems from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law last July, including “one of the most significant changes to the Pell Grant Program in its history, to address America's workforce needs.”

Specifically, the OBBB expanded Pell Grant eligibility to eligible workforce programs. These programs are shorter in duration than the undergraduate programs currently eligible for Pell Grants.

The rule will establish a new “Workforce Pell Grant” pathway to allow eligible students to use Pell Grants for educational courses lasting from 8 to 15 weeks.  Currently, Pell Grants can only be applied to programs that are 15 weeks or longer.

Under the proposal, they must meet specific accountability metrics related to graduate earnings, as well as indications of employer demand — requirements that are not applicable to other eligible programs.

“A great education and a better life do not necessarily require a traditional four-year college experience,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent in a news release.

Pell Grants for Driver Training, Diesel Mechanic Schools

The proposal is welcome, ATA said, as the current Pell Grant program is only available for longer programs, “rendering students in shorter-term, high-quality job training ineligible for this crucial assistance.”

“The change would dismantle financial barriers that prevent students from low-income households from accessing the career pathways that lead to the trucking industry,” ATA said in a news release.

The new rule would allow students to receive Pell Grants for eligible workforce programs that consist of 150–599 clock hours of instruction and take at least eight weeks but less than 15 weeks to complete.

Additional Requirements for Workforce Pell Grants

The proposed rule sets additional eligibility requirements for the approval of eligible workforce programs, including approval by a governor, after consultation with the state’s workforce board.

Each program must also meet certain accountability benchmarks, including completion and job placement rates, as well as a value-added earnings measure.

If finalized, starting in July 2026, students will be able to use the Pell Grant to enroll in an eligible workforce program, which could be as short as eight weeks. 

The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register and is now open for a public comment period before being finalized.

Comments are due April 8.