PHOENIX (July 31, 2026) – The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), the state’s lead agency for workforce strategy and economic data, has opened the Workforce Pell state certification application process. Federal Pell Grant program–eligible institutions offering qualified workforce training programs in Arizona may submit applications for review through Aug. 24, 2026.

Workforce Pell Grants are a new resource for eligible Arizonans, providing increased access to high-impact training programs that lead to skills development, higher wages, and jobs in in-demand fields. Created by federal legislation passed in 2025, the program expands the existing Pell Grant framework to include short-term education and training programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand jobs. It extends financial aid access to Pell-eligible Arizonans facing financial barriers to postsecondary education.

To qualify, institutions must be accredited and Title IV eligible. Eligible programs must be short-term (less than 15 weeks) and lead to portable, stackable credentials aligned with Arizona’s high-demand occupations. Programs are required to demonstrate a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate, along with measurable wage gains for students one year after completion. Certification applications cover institution eligibility, labor market alignment, employer engagement and validation, student outcomes, and consumer disclosures.

“Arizona is committed to connecting short-term training to real job demand, and Workforce Pell gives Pell-eligible Arizonans another tool to earn postsecondary credentials and build pathways to high-demand, fulfilling careers,” said Mary Foote, Director, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. “Arizona’s workforce strategy centers on aligning credential attainment with the occupations where employers are hiring, and Workforce Pell extends financial aid to the short-term programs that make that connection possible for Arizonans who could not otherwise afford them.”

Developed in coordination with the Workforce Arizona Council and informed by a statewide working group representing higher education, business, community-based organizations, and federal financial aid experts, Arizona’s certification process ensures that every program submitted for consideration aligns with real employer demand and delivers measurable outcomes for Arizonans.

“We appreciate being asked to participate in the design and launch of this program,” said David Borofsky, Executive Director, Arizona Community College Coordinating Council. “Our community colleges serve all fifteen counties in Arizona and offer workforce programs as part of the Eligible Training Provider List for WIOA. Our colleges have been planning and working to create shorter training programs for our students that will be eligible for Workforce Pell.”

“We are proud to participate in the design and launch of this state’s Workforce Pell program,” said Susan Ciardullo, Executive Director, Arizona Private School Association. “Many of our members have already offered workforce programs as part of the Eligible Training Provider List for WIOA, but this now gives students an additional resource through Pell eligibility with our shorter accredited programs.”

Programs that receive state certification will be notified after Sept. 17, 2026. After certification, institutions will submit their programs to the U.S. Department of Education for federal Workforce Pell program designation. Programs may accept Workforce Pell Grants only once both state certification and federal designation are obtained.

“Arizona’s program is built to be stakeholder-led, and we are committed to a process that prioritizes collaboration, transparency, and meaningful input from the programs serving our communities,” said Foote. OEO recently concluded a public comment period from July 1 through July 20, 2026, during which stakeholder feedback on the draft Workforce Pell policy was collected from higher education, business, and community representatives to help shape the final framework.

“Arizona’s workforce ecosystem already connects industry, education, and community across the state. Workforce Pell gives Pell-eligible Arizonans one more resource within that system to earn postsecondary credentials, build careers, and strengthen their financial futures,” Foote added.

Workforce Pell programs will enable students to earn postsecondary credentials and advance Arizona’s education attainment goal, Achieve60AZ. Education and training providers in Arizona have until Aug. 24, 2026 to submit a certification application. Institutions can access the application at oeo.az.gov/workforce-pell.

About the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) strengthens Arizona’s workforce and economy by coordinating workforce development strategy, monitoring tax and regulatory competitiveness, and producing labor market, economic, and demographic research and analysis. OEO is also home to the Arizona Finance Authority, which provides innovative, responsible, and sustainable financing solutions for public and private borrowers. For more information, please visit oeo.az.gov.

Media Contact:
Gina Flores
Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
gina.flores@oeo.az.gov