WC among first in nation approved for Workforce Pell Grants
Students pursuing careers in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and advanced manufacturing at Weatherford College have a new source of financial aid after the U.S. Department of Education approved the college's participation in the new Workforce Pell Grant program this week.
Weatherford College is among the first in the nation to be approved for the Workforce Pell Grant, as one of only two Texas community colleges included in the latest round of federal approvals, allowing eligible students to use Federal Pell Grant funds for short-term, high-quality workforce training programs. The approval makes Texas the fourth state in the nation to receive Workforce Pell program approvals.
At WC, Workforce Pell Grants will be available for students enrolled in HVAC, Basic Machining and Advanced Machining programs. The programs are designed to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries that continue to face workforce shortages across North Texas and the state.
"Weatherford College is exceedingly proud to be leading the way in Texas, partnering with state and national leaders to implement the new Workforce Pell Grant program," said WC President Tod Allen Farmer. "These new grants will simultaneously bring a whole new sector of citizens into the skilled workforce, and it will provide our thriving business community with the skilled labor that it needs to prosper and flourish."
The Workforce Pell Grant program expands Pell Grant eligibility beyond traditional degree pathways and allows qualifying students to receive federal financial aid for shorter-term career and technical education programs that lead directly to employment opportunities.
In the near future, WC plans to dramatically expand the number of workforce programs that are covered by the new grant.
The approval provides additional opportunities for Parker County residents and others throughout the region who are seeking affordable pathways into skilled trades careers. By reducing financial barriers to enrollment, the program is expected to help more students complete industry-recognized training and enter the workforce more quickly.
“Texas is leading the way when it comes to making postsecondary education work for American families. Approving these programs is a major step toward opening new market‑driven alternatives to traditional two- and four-year degrees,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “We are proud to partner with Texas colleges and state leaders to support in-demand, high-quality programs that will open new career pathways for thousands of students across the Lone Star State.”
The Workforce Pell Grant program was established through federal legislation signed in 2025 and implemented through regulations that took effect July 1. The program allows eligible students to use federal aid for approved short-term training programs that meet workforce demand and employment outcome requirements.
“Workforce Pell Grants now cover short-term career training at Kilgore College and Weatherford College,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “Eligible students have a direct path to better jobs and bigger paychecks. Through programs like these, Texas remains on the path to be #1 in education. I thank President Trump and Secretary McMahon for this approval.”
Click here for more information about Workforce Pell Grants and approved Weatherford College workforce programs. Access the US Department of Education press release here.