Mississippi opens Workforce Pell aid for short-term job training

Mississippians can begin using federal Pell grant funds for certain short-term workforce training programs starting July 1, Gov. Tate Reeves said in a release.

The expansion follows a policy approved by the State Workforce Investment Board that will guide recommendations for Workforce Pell programs, Reeves said. Congress approved the Workforce Pell program in 2025 to broaden access to federal aid, according to the release.

Reeves asked AccelerateMS to work with the Mississippi Office of Workforce Development to coordinate implementation, the release said. The state-approved policy allows programs as short as eight weeks to qualify, but the programs must receive both state and federal approval, the policy says.

AccelerateMS posted that eligible programs are expected to train people for in-demand, higher-wage jobs that require significant skill. The AccelerateMS website lists potential job titles that could qualify, including EMTs, welders, machinists, pipefitters, plumbers, commercial truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and power line technicians.

The state offices will review which programs are most needed and will work with institutions on the federal application process, AccelerateMS said. Applications from institutions are now being accepted by AccelerateMS. “Mississippi’s workforce strategy has helped attract record breaking private capital investment and train thousands for the jobs of the next 50 years,” Reeves said in the release. “By expanding access to high-quality, employer driven training, we’re strengthening our workforce, supporting businesses and positioning Mississippi for even greater momentum.”

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