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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.

During the pilot year (July 2026 to June 2027), access to eligible programs will be limited. The ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ´«Ã½app has recommended one program to the US Department of Education for approval,  offered by Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester. The program is expected to expand in the coming years.

Providers must be institutions accredited to participate in Title IV of the Higher Education Act that offer eligible short-term, non-degree training programs.

Programs considered must meet established criteria that include:  

• Length: 150-599 clock hours (or credit-hour equivalent) and 8-14 weeks
• In-Demand Occupation: Aligned with an occupation that is on New Jersey’s statewide in-demand occupations list or is eligible for a local or regional waiver
• Program Maturity: Offered for at least one year prior to approval by the U.S. Department of Education
• Completion Rate: At least 70% of students complete within 150% of normal program time
• Job Placement Rate: At least 70% as measured 180 days after completion
• Credential: Leads to a recognized postsecondary credential that is stackable and portable, or the sole recognized credential for that occupation
• Credit Articulation: Prepares students for further education, credit or learning accepted toward a related certificate or degree program

To be approved, eligible workforce programs must: “be approved by the institution’s accrediting agency or be included in the institution’s grant of accreditation by its accreditor, be approved by the State Governor; and be approved by the [U.S.] Department of Education.”

Learn more about program eligibility requirements here.