JFF & Data Quality Campaign Launch New Initiative to Help States Put Workforce Pell into Action
Initiative will help five states lay the groundwork for maximizing Workforce Pell and strengthening nondegree credential ecosystems
BOSTON, MA – October 8, 2026 – Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the U.S. education and workforce systems, today announced the launch of the “Accelerating State Readiness for Workforce Pell” initiative, in collaboration with the Data Quality Campaign (DQC).
Supported by Britebound and the ECMC Foundation, the initiative will help a small cohort of states navigate the immediate Workforce Pell implementation while strengthening their broader nondegree credential ecosystems. The participating states include Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Utah.
“Workforce Pell is a major policy shift with the potential to catalyze broader systems change and expand opportunity for learners and workers,” said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future. “Its long-term impact will be shaped by how states put it into practice. JFF looks forward to helping states translate Workforce Pell into meaningful opportunity, connecting more learners and workers to education and training that supports economic advancement.”
Workforce Pell extends Pell Grants, a type of federal financial aid, to eligible students in certain workforce-oriented short-term programs. Enacted into law in 2025, Workforce Pell expands access to high-quality, short-term education and training opportunities, including for people who are new to postsecondary education, disconnected from school or work, or balancing education with work, family, and caregiving responsibilities.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Workforce Pell gave states a new and rigorous role in assessing nondegree programs and determining their eligibility. Through this initiative, JFF and DQC will help participating states develop the structures, partnerships, and action plans needed to expand access to short-term workforce programs, improve quality, and support informed decision-making.
“When states invest in the partnership, collaboration, and data infrastructure that they need to be ready for Workforce Pell, they can build stronger pathways that benefit learners and workers,” said Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, president and CEO of the Data Quality Campaign. “DQC is ready to support states as they create the structures and action plans they need to expand access to short-term workforce programs and improve quality.”
Learn more about this new initiative.
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About Jobs for the Future
JFF transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. www.jff.org.
About the Data Quality Campaign
The Data Quality Campaign is a nonprofit policy and advocacy organization that has been leading the effort to ensure that data works for everyone navigating their education and workforce journeys for over two decades. www.dataqualitycampaign.org.