Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at expanding access to short-term career training programs through federal Workforce Pell Grants.
Workforce Pell Grants are a new form of Pell funding designed to help students earn industry-recognized credentials. Traditionally, Pell Grants have only been available for full-time, degree-seeking students, but recent federal changes now allow Pell funding to support students enrolled in short-term training programs.
SB 1196, sponsored by Sen. Mike Henderson (R- Desloge), creates a process for approving the training programs that qualify for Workforce Pell Grants in Missouri. Under the bill, the governor — in consultation with the Missouri Workforce Development Board — would approve programs that prepare students for highly technical or in-demand fields, such as advanced manufacturing, health care or transportation.
During a hearing before the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee, Missouri Chamber Director of Government Affairs Chance Hepola testified in support.
“Workforce development tends to be one of the top issues for our members, as well as those seeking to move to the state of Missouri,” Hepola said. “We believe this will better prepare Missouri for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand jobs that many of our employers are seeking out.”
For more information, contact Hepola at chepola@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
