Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) approved a new Workforce Pell Grant Program in Arizona, marking the seventh state in the nation to receive a program approval. Eligible students at Pima Medical Institute can now use Federal Pell Grants to enroll in the Phlebotomy Technician program, which will prepare students for specialized healthcare careers.
Established in President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Workforce Pell allows eligible students to use Pell Grants to enroll in short-term, accredited programs lasting 8-15 weeks. This historic reform expands access to postsecondary education beyond the traditional two- and four-year degree pathway by supporting high-quality, workforce aligned credentials.
“Workforce Pell is creating new opportunities for students to gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy, and today’s approval in Arizona underscores that commitment,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “Students in Arizona can now enroll in high-quality, healthcare-aligned training that is critical to workforce demands across the state.”
“Workforce Pell creates an exciting opportunity for more students to pursue hands-on training and take their first step toward a meaningful healthcare career,” said Mark Luebke, Co-CEO, Pima Medical Institute. “Approval of our Phlebotomy Technician program in Phoenix will provide more eligible students with access to this training while supporting healthcare employers’ need for qualified professionals. We appreciate our state and federal partners’ commitment to expanding access to career education and helping students build a stronger future for themselves and their families.”
Background
Last year, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law, which established criteria for short-term programs to gain eligibility to receive Workforce Pell.
The Department conducted negotiated rulemaking to establish the regulatory framework for Workforce Pell. The final rule implementing Workforce Pell was published on May 18, 2026, and became effective on July 1, 2026.
On August 4, 2026, the Department approved the nation’s first Workforce Pell Grant program in Iowa. Since then, the Department has approved Workforce Pell Grant programs in Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, and Florida.
In coordination with state workforce boards, Governors across the country are currently identifying education and training programs that meet the high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand eligibility criteria for Workforce Pell programs. This process enables state leaders to designate programs that are well positioned to improve employment outcomes and generate strong economic returns for workers and their local communities.