North Carolina Prepares for Workforce Transformation with New Pell Grants
With a strong focus on enhancing career training, Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has called upon the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships to devise strategies for implementing the new Workforce Pell grants. These grants aim to provide North Carolina students with enhanced opportunities for professional growth. The Council, composed of representatives from key educational and economic bodies, is tasked with this important initiative.
“North Carolina is committed to maximizing Workforce Pell to create new opportunities for learners, employers, and, ultimately, our economy,” said Governor Josh Stein. “These funds will open up doors of opportunity for young people seeking training for high-skill, high-wage jobs.”
The introduction of these grants by the federal government, effective on July 1, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. workforce development landscape. This initiative enables qualifying Pell grant recipients to pursue short-term, eight to 15-week training programs. Such programs must be aligned with high-demand industries and must count toward credits for certification or degree courses.
“With a tradition of collaboration in workforce development that helped make us America’s top state for business, North Carolina is well-positioned to be a national leader in implementing Workforce Pell, strengthening our ability to educate and train talent to meet the needs of growing employers,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, a co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. “We look forward to this opportunity for more North Carolinians to gain valuable skills for a variety of in-demand jobs across the state.”
Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the NC Community College System and co-chair of the Governor’s Council, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “I’m proud that the North Carolina Community College System is partnering with Governor Stein and our education and workforce colleagues on the Council to support the rollout of Workforce Pell in North Carolina,” said Dr. Jeff Cox. “This collaborative effort will expand access to short-term, high-quality training programs that connect more North Carolinians to rewarding careers and help meet the workforce needs of employers across our state.”
Recognized by CNBC as the Top State for Business in 2025 due to its favorable business climate and skilled workforce, North Carolina is set to benefit significantly from these developments. The Governor’s Council, which released its first report in June, is focused on expanding access to well-paying jobs by fostering apprenticeships, earning industry-valued credentials, and increasing employer collaboration. Since Governor Stein assumed office, the state has seen a surge in private sector investments amounting to nearly $21 billion alongside the creation of over 28,000 new jobs.
For more details about the Council’s initiatives, visit the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.
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