Historic Pell Grant expansion arrives, MCC offers eligible programs on Day 1
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Savannah Behrends
Copywriter and features editor | June 30, 2026
For the first time, students pursuing short-term, workforce-aligned training programs can access federal financial aid through the new Workforce Pell Grant Program. Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is one of a handful of community colleges nationwide prepared to launch the program on July 1, when the new funding eligibility goes into effect — and the only community college in Nebraska.
The funding can help cover tuition and related fees, reducing financial barriers for students seeking quick pathways into in-demand careers.
Four noncredit MCC programs have been selected to jumpstart the program: Commercial Driver's License (CDL), CompTIA+, Phlebotomy Technician and Pharmacy Technician. Each program can be completed in as little as 8 to 15 weeks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for entry-level careers in these fields range from $20.90 to $29.59.
Workforce Pell expands access to short-term training that leads to high-demand careers while helping meet workforce needs, said Gary Girard, MCC vice president for Community and Workforce Education. He said the funding will be especially beneficial for Nebraskans seeking alternatives to a traditional four-year degree, including the 37% of Nebraska high school graduates who do not plan to attend a four-year college.
“I’ve been in higher education for 40 years, 35 to 40 of which were with microcredentials, and there’s never been federal financial aid available for these programs. This is a moment to celebrate,” Girard said.
To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, noncredit and microcredential programs must be at least one year old and demonstrate strong student outcomes, including a 70% completion rate and a 70% job placement rate. While many colleges are still building the data needed to meet those requirements, MCC already has a proven track record.
The College's readiness stems in part from Career Forward, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2022 using $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The program provided financial support for short-term training and industry-recognized credentials in high-wage, high-demand fields.
"MCC was ahead of the curve in developing this model," Girard said. “It levels the playing field and takes us from a college-for-all model to a learning-for-all model.”
Expansion of Pell funding to noncredit workforce education programs is an equally important for students in MCC Adult Education programs like GED. More than 550 students currently pursuing credit programs began their education at MCC in GED. Workforce Pell eligible programs give GED students a new entry point to in-demand careers with fewer financial barriers to overcome and shorter time commitments to navigate.
“MCC has almost 4,000 students in transition programs like General Educational Development (GED),” Girard said. “One of the unique things that we do at MCC is that if you're earning a GED, you will also earn a microcredential. For students who want to continue, we now have a funding mechanism that can help pay for additional stackable credentials through Workforce Pell."
Students can determine their eligibility by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Workforce Pell funding is available only to eligible students who are not already receiving a traditional Pell Grant and have not reached their lifetime Pell eligibility limit.
Visit mccneb.edu/Workforce to learn more about the noncredit CDL, CompTIA+, Phlebotomy Technician and Pharmacy Technician programs now eligible for Workforce Pell funding.