Five Texas community colleges earned approval from the U.S. Department of Education to offer Workforce Pell, a federal student aid program for short-term job training. A consortium led by the Alamo Colleges District also received a $10.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to create and expand the programs, according to Governor Greg Abbott.
The grant will fund a four-year initiative expected to serve 22,000 students across participating colleges.
The approved short-term programs target high-wage, in-demand jobs in health care, energy, construction, and skilled trades. Programs offered include phlebotomy technician, machining, and HVAC technician certifications.