How states can make Workforce Pell a success

A crucial detail in the new training policy: short-term programs must articulate into a credit-bearing pathway. This means your first certification isn't a dead end—it's the first rung on a ladder to a full degree and greater fulfillment. Smart adult learners see short-term credentials as a launchpad, not the destination. We work with adults to choose the right program that lets you 'stack' your learning toward your ultimate career goal. #StackableCredentials #LifelongLearning #CareerPath #HigherEdPolicy #AdultLearners #NavigateYourNextChapter

Driving value in short-term PELL initiatives must begin with understanding employment demand and identifying the skills necessary to achieve economic goals. This approach necessitates innovative methods for measuring employment demand, as traditional methods depend too much on present and historical data to forecast future needs. Matt Gandal also makes some great points about quality, stack ability, among other necessary areas of focus. Check out the article below. https://lnkd.in/gqAW6AsW

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, in consultation with the Executive Office of Economic Development, and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development are piloting a competitive matching grant program, to be administered by Commonwealth Corporation Foundation, to help employers support working families in the Commonwealth. Expressions of Interest are due no later than 4 PM on November 3, 2025. Learn more at this link: https://lnkd.in/gwtWZyyV

New America has provided incisive and often critical analysis of Workforce Pell over the last several years. So it's great news that they're launching a Workforce Pell implementation newsletter, and many folks in higher ed and workforce development will want to read this.

The introduction of Workforce Pell Grants represents more than new federal dollars — it’s an accountability challenge and an opportunity to rethink how states define and deliver quality in short-term workforce training. The @Alabama Talent Triad, built on a competency-based model, demonstrates what it takes: industry-informed, data-driven systems that connect education to actual labor market needs and create pathways to family-sustaining wages. Amber Garrison Duncan, PhD and I dig into what states can learn from Alabama — and why now is the time to act. Read more in Community College Daily: https://lnkd.in/evXAkKMD

When a Nation Leans on the Few Ray Dalio recently warned that America is becoming dangerously dependent on its top 1 % of workers. The rest, nearly 60 % of Americans, are being left behind, many lacking the literacy and skills needed to compete in today’s economy. For nonprofits, this is not abstract economics. The fallout is visible daily, in housing crises, food insecurity, and families who have lost faith in upward mobility. Staff carry the emotional and financial strain of holding up the social safety net while earning a fraction of what their private sector counterparts make. When only the elite drive growth, the rest of the workforce and the nonprofits serving them become collateral damage. Unless pathways are built to education, skills, and fair wages, our economy is on an unstable foundation.

We’re excited to announce that Oklahoma Wesleyan University is now live with Meadow Pay, bringing a modern, student-first billing experience to their campus. Meadow Pay meets students where they are—so they know what, when, and how to pay. Because figuring that out shouldn’t be the hard part. From flexible payment plans and one-click checkout to auto-adjusting balances and personalized communications, Meadow Pay empowers students and eases administrative burden for staff. Here’s to making tuition payments clearer, more equitable, and less stressful. 🎉 #PoweredByMeadow

Workforce Pell marks a turning point in federal financial aid—linking education to the speed of work. Rosemary Lahasky from Pearson and MJ Michalak from Ivy Tech Community College explore how this bipartisan reform will expand opportunity, reduce debt, and strengthen America’s talent pipeline. #HigherEd #EducationReform #WorkforcePell https://lnkd.in/gckY6a8J

More Hoosiers and Americans will soon have access to short-term, high-impact training thanks to Workforce Pell. This policy connects federal aid to fast-track programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. Great insights from Mary Jane Michalak of Ivy Tech and Rosemary Lahasky of Pearson on how this reform expands access and opportunity.