Official Site of The State of New Jersey

You may be eligible if you:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
• Demonstrate financial need
• Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or qualify through an alternative pathway
• Enroll in an approved Workforce Pell program

This includes unemployed workers, underemployed adults, people changing careers, incumbent workers, and eligible youth.

Workforce Pell typically covers:

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books (when included in tuition/fees)

Need additional help? Through WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), you may also receive support for:

• Transportation
• Childcare
• Tools, uniforms, and supplies
• Licensing exam fees
• Case management and career coaching

To be approved for Workforce Pell, a training program must:

• Be 8 to 15 weeks long
• Lead to a job in an in-demand occupation
• Result in an industry-recognized credential
• Have at least a 70% completion rate
• Have at least a 70% job placement rate
• Show that graduates earn more than they would have without the program
• Be offered by an approved college or technical institution
• Be approved by the Governor

Learn more about program eligibility requirements here.

Your local One-Stop Career Center (American Job Center) can help you by:

• Telling you about Workforce Pell programs available in your area
• Referring you to eligible training programs
• Checking if you qualify for additional WIOA services
• Enrolling you in WIOA alongside your Pell-funded training ("co-enrollment")
• Connecting you with supportive services like transportation or childcare assistance
• Working with your college advisor to coordinate your training

Important: Career Centers do not determine your Pell eligibility or handle Pell money. That is managed by the college's financial aid office.

Co-enrollment means you are signed up for both your Pell-funded training program and WIOA services at the same time. This is encouraged because it gives you access to:

• Extra support services (transportation, childcare, supplies)
• Career coaching and case management
• Better chances of completing your program and finding a job

Co-enrollment is especially recommended if you are unemployed, changing careers, or need help overcoming barriers to completing your training.

Colleges: Apply for WF Pell eligibility programs at their institution, manage financial aid received, deliver high-quality training, and report data to State and Federal Government

One Stop Career Centers: Inform and refer customers, provide supportive services, track outcomes

Workforce Development Boards: Plan strategy, partner with colleges, engage employers, oversee local implementation

Workforce Pell is designed to make it easier and more affordable for people to get short-term training that leads to a good-paying job. Combined with support from your local Career Center, this creates a stronger path from training to employment.