U.S. Department of Labor awards $65 million to build Workforce Pell-ready programs

The grants go to consortia to help community colleges develop short-term programs that can qualify for Workforce Pell. Find out whether your college belongs to a funded consortium and which of your short-term programs it could help develop.

THE FACTThe U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is awarding $65 million in grants to consortia in seven states to help community colleges develop high-quality, short-term programs that can qualify for Workforce Pell funding. (ccdaily.com)

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New York opens free high-demand associate programs to adults with prior degrees

Starting in January, New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 can enroll for free in a high-demand State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) associate degree program, even with a prior degree in another field.

WHY IT MATTERS: Adults who already hold a degree and want to switch fields become a new recruiting pool for high-demand associate programs.
NEXT STEP: If you serve New York adults, confirm which of your associate programs count as high-demand and brief advisors on degree-holding applicants before January.
THE SOURCE SAYS: Starting in January, New Yorkers 25 to 55 can enroll in a SUNY or CUNY associate degree program in a high-demand field for free, even if they have already completed a college degree in a different area. (governor.ny.gov)

Ivy Tech aid officers will handle Workforce Pell awards manually

Ivy Tech's software is not set up for short-term program aid, so financial aid staff will identify students, calculate awards, and disburse funds manually.

WHY IT MATTERS: Getting a program approved is not the end of the work; your aid system and staff time also have to handle short-term programs.
NEXT STEP: Ask your financial aid director whether your system can calculate and disburse aid for short-term programs, and who would do the work by hand if it cannot.
THE SOURCE SAYS: Shank explained that Ivy Tech’s software system isn’t set up to process financial aid for short-term programs, which will require financial aid officers to manually identify eligible students, calculate their Workforce Pell award based on their need and the length of their program, and personally disburse the funds to students. (insidehighered.com)

MORE ON WAVELENGTHWorkforce Pell tracker

Trades analysis: of 100 program entrants, 48 complete and 34 work in trades

A skilled-trades analysis finds that of every 100 students who enter a related postsecondary program, 48 complete a program and 34 eventually work in a skilled trade.

WHY IT MATTERS: Adding seats will not close trades gaps on its own; completion and job placement are where students drop off.
NEXT STEP: Pull completion and related-employment rates for your trades programs and compare them with these figures before requesting new sections.
THE SOURCE SAYS: Of every 100 students who enter a related postsecondary program, 48 complete a program and 34 eventually work in a skilled trade, according to the analysis. (ccdaily.com)

Gogebic gets Michigan skills grant to expand advanced manufacturing training

Gogebic Community College received a $476,496 grant through Michigan's Industry-Driven Skills Training Program to expand advanced manufacturing training.

WHY IT MATTERS: State industry-driven skills training grants are one way to pay for expanding advanced manufacturing training.
NEXT STEP: Check whether your state runs a similar industry-driven training grant and which local employer could co-host training space with you.
THE SOURCE SAYS: Gogebic Community College (GCC) has received a $476,496 grant through the Michigan Industry-Driven Skills Training Program (MIDSTP) to expand advanced manufacturing training opportunities. (ccdaily.com)

$3.2 million in grants backs employer-validated programs at 11 community colleges

$3.2 million in grants were announced for all 11 community colleges to implement employer-validated programs, with awards of $200,000 to $300,000 per college.

WHY IT MATTERS: This money is tied to employer validation, so programs with documented employer sign-off are better positioned for this kind of grant.
NEXT STEP: List which of your programs have written employer validation and bring that list to your next conversation with regional funders.
THE SOURCE SAYS: $3.2 million in grants were also announced for all 11 community colleges to implement employer-validated programs with awards of $200,000 to $300,000 per college. (ednc.org)

220 high schoolers complete electrical pre-apprenticeships built on college coursework

220 high school students completed electrical pre-apprenticeships that combined community college coursework, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and direct engagement with employers.

WHY IT MATTERS: Packaging college coursework, industry credentials and employer contact gives high school students a structured path toward electrical work.
NEXT STEP: Talk with your dual enrollment lead and a local electrical employer about a summer pre-apprenticeship pilot built on courses you already offer.
THE SOURCE SAYS: In the inaugural year, 220 high school students completed intensive electrical pre-apprenticeship experiences combining community college coursework, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and direct engagement with employers. (governor.nc.gov)

FOR YOUR NEXT PLANNING MEETING

At your next planning meeting, pick one short-term program and map who would identify students, calculate aid, and disburse funds if it won Workforce Pell approval.