Workforce Pell

Projected Timeline

The following timeline outlines critical state system development benchmarks coordinated between the PA departments of Education, Labor and Industry and State Workforce Development Board since the passage of H.R 1 to date. As noted, this timeline is subject to change as final rules and federal guidance are issued from the U.S. Dept of Education.

Technical Assistance

The Pennsylvania Department of Education will offer on-going technical assistance to eligible Pennsylvania education and training providers who elect to participate in the state Workforce Pell program in the following ways:

• Guidance Webinar on Workforce Pell required data elements, definitions and secure sharing protocols - Tuesday, March 3, 10-11am
  • Recording and materials will be provided afterwards
  • Registration link 
• On-going Technical Assistance Office Hours: Fridays March 6^th through April 10^th, 10-11 am
  • Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting
    • Meeting ID: 239 388 680 899 55
    • Passcode: Sv6c4Bn7
• Questions and concerns can be directed to RA-PAWorkforcePell@pa.gov

Next steps for Program Providers

Commonwealth agencies are advancing required state policy and systems development to the fullest extent possible within known federal Workforce Pell provisions to ensure PA is in a strong position to participate. Similarly, the steps outlined below provide PA postsecondary program providers with recommended actions to prepare for participation should they elect to do so. These action steps will be updated as PA Workforce Pell systems are finalized according to law:

1. Review the Workforce Pell program requirements which include: 
   1. DURATION: The program is between 150-599 hours of instruction during a minimum of 8 but less than 15 weeks. 
   2. HIGH WAGE/IN-DEMAND: The program aligns with high-skill, high-wage occupations or in-demand industry or occupations.
   3. EMPLOYER NEEDS: The program meets the hiring requirements of employers in the sector.
   4. PORTABLE: The program leads to a recognized postsecondary credential that is stackable and portable across employers and prepares students for employment.
   5. ACCREDITED: The program is accredited by a USDE accreditor whereby the credential can lead to academic credit for the student to pursue additional education at the certificate or degree level. 
   6. NOT CORRESPONDENCE: The course/program is not a correspondence program (differentiated from distance education programs which are permitted). 
   7. AT LEAST ONE YEAR: The course/program has been in operation for at least one year, as of 6/30/2026.   
2. Examine list of required data elements to be submitted to PDE, which include the following, at a minimum, to determine eligibility. As a reminder, these are subject to change based on U.S. Department  of Education (ED) final rules.
   • Student Identifiers (SSN, Name)
   • Institution AUN
   • Program Information (including CIP, clock hours, credit hours, cost, credential awarded, etc.)
   • Cohort Start Date
   • Cohort Scheduled Completion Date
   • Student Actual Start Date
   • Student Actual Completion Date
   • Student Withdrawal Date (if applicable)
   • Program Articulation Agreements
   • Program Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
3. Set up a secure account for data transfer to the Commonwealth using this form
4. Stand by for confirmation of secure account creation, and further data submission instructions.
5. COMING SOON: Check the state approved eligible occupations list.

Questions can be directed to RA-PAWorkforcePell@pa.gov