Gov. Mike Braun has officially launched an opportunity for institutions to participate in the new federal Workforce Pell Grant program which began taking applications on July 1.
“From our smallest towns to our largest cities, Indiana employers need more qualified workers to keep up with demand,” Braun said. “When I was in the U.S. Senate, I helped write bipartisan legislation to expand the Federal Pell Grant in direct response to the needs of Hoosier employers and students, allowing more students to access short-term training programs, build skills quickly, and move into better‑paying jobs.”
According to a press release, Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1266 passed by the Indiana General Assembly earlier this year to align state and federal processes and ensure state agencies and institutions are prepared so Hoosiers can take full advantage of the opportunities Workforce Pell provides.
“We know that when students continue their education beyond a high school diploma – whether that’s a short-term credential, a two- or four-year degree, or beyond – their opportunities for social and economic mobility grow,” said Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner. “Workforce Pell adds another tool in our toolbox as we work to make higher education and training more affordable for Hoosiers, better align programs with the knowledge and skills employers and students need most, and help more students earn valuable credentials that will continue to open real doors of opportunity.”
For 2026-2027, Braun has approved both Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University to apply for Workforce Pell program consideration through the U.S. Department of Education. Indiana has prioritized key high-demand sectors, including:
- advanced manufacturing
- building and construction
- health and life sciences
- IT and business services
- transportation and logistics
“Vincennes University has always been at the forefront of aligning education with the evolving needs of Indiana’s economy,” said Vincennes University President Chuck Johnson. “Participating in the Workforce Pell program opens doors for Hoosiers who can benefit from our flexible, accelerated pathways to high-wage jobs.”
While the first year of implementation is targeted at Indiana’s public two-year institutions and employer partners, all higher education institutions are encouraged by the state to review Indiana’s eligibility criteria and submit an application for future consideration on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s (Commission’s) Workforce Pell webpage.
The governor will send approved programs to the U.S. Department of Education for final federal validation.
“This initiative is of the most significant opportunities in higher education for Hoosiers seeking a faster, more affordable path to high-demand careers, and we are excited about the opportunities it will create for both students and employers across Indiana,” said Ivy Tech Community College President Marty Pollio.
Interested students should prepare to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To qualify for a Workforce Pell Grant, students must have earned a high school diploma, met need-based eligibility requirements, and enroll in an authorized Workforce Pell program once offerings become available.
For more information visit in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
