Workforce Pell in North Carolina

Last updated . Facts are checked against the statute, 34 CFR part 690 subpart H, Federal Student Aid guidance and U.S. Department of Education approvals; see sources.

Training providers in North Carolina

Each profile lists the college's Workforce Pell programs, with the source for every approval.

Last updated: October 9, 2026. North Carolina was the fifth state with federal Workforce Pell approvals. ED approved six programs at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem (ED). For how the grant works nationally, see our Workforce Pell Grant guide.

ED-approved programs in North Carolina

ED approved six programs at Forsyth Tech on September 25, 2026. ED described them by career: students "can now use Federal Pell dollars to enroll in programs that will prepare students for remunerative careers as firefighters, electrical power-line installers and repairers, welders, cutters, paramedics, nursing assistants, and more" (ED). The North Carolina Community College System names the six programs (NCCCS):

CollegeProgram (as named by NCCCS)Approved by EDSource
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeEmergency Medical TechnicianSep 25, 2026NCCCS
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeFire AcademySep 25, 2026NCCCS
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeWeldingSep 25, 2026NCCCS
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeCertified Nursing Assistant ISep 25, 2026NCCCS
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeCertified Nursing Assistant IISep 25, 2026NCCCS
Forsyth Technical Community CollegeElectrical LineworkerSep 25, 2026NCCCS

When students can use it: "Beginning in the spring 2027 term (January), eligible students can use federal Pell Grant funds to enroll" in these programs (NCCCS).

State-approved programs at other NC colleges

The NCWorks Commission keeps a separate public list of programs approved at the state level at colleges across North Carolina (NC Commerce). Those programs still need ED approval before students can use Workforce Pell. As of this update, Forsyth Tech's six are the only North Carolina programs ED has announced.

Who runs Workforce Pell in North Carolina

"The NCWorks Commission is the entity designated by the Governor to serve as the administrator of the state-level approval for Workforce Pell." Institutions "must gain approval at the state level before applying for program approval at the federal level" (NC Commerce). Colleges apply through the Eligible Training Provider (ETP) system at nc.works/ETPL and then submit the extra Workforce Pell information (NC Commerce).

The Commission reviews applications quarterly (NC Commerce):

  • Submitted by Oct. 15, 2026 → reviewed at the Nov. 18, 2026 meeting
  • Submitted by Jan. 15, 2027 → February 2027 meeting
  • Submitted by Apr. 15, 2027 → May 2027 meeting

Official page: commerce.nc.gov/.../workforce-pell-program-approval

How North Carolina students apply

NCCCS: students "should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)" and contact the college (NCCCS). NC Commerce adds that "Workforce Pell is federal Title IV aid, processed exclusively by the institution's financial aid office" (NC Commerce Q&A).

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, "U.S. Department of Education Approves Workforce Pell Grant Programs in North Carolina" (Sep 25, 2026). Checked October 9, 2026.
  2. NC Community College System, North Carolina Community College System, "Forsyth Tech Becomes First College in NC to Earn Federal Workforce Pell Approval" (Sep 25, 2026). Checked October 9, 2026.
  3. NC Department of Commerce, NC Department of Commerce, Workforce Pell Program Approval. Checked October 9, 2026.
  4. NC Department of Commerce, NC Department of Commerce, List of Programs Approved for Workforce Pell. Checked October 9, 2026.
  5. NC Department of Commerce, NC Department of Commerce, NCWorks Commission Now Accepting Applications (Jun 23, 2026). Checked October 9, 2026.
  6. NC Department of Commerce, NC Department of Commerce, ETPL and Workforce Pell Q&A. Checked October 9, 2026.

More Workforce Pell guides

Workforce Pell Grant guideApproved programs trackerWorkforce Pell vs traditional PellWorkforce Pell by stateHow to apply for Workforce PellHow much is a Workforce Pell Grant?Colleges with approved programsWorkforce Pell in IowaWorkforce Pell in IndianaWorkforce Pell in NebraskaWorkforce Pell in TexasWorkforce Pell in FloridaWhat is WIOA funding?

Bootstrap Directory is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. Confirm eligibility and award amounts with your school's financial aid office before you enroll.