As Pell Grants enter the AI era, colleges face a test of worth
Beginning July 2026, Pell Grants will fund short-term workforce programmes for the first time, but only those proving direct job-market value. With AI reshaping industries, colleges face mounting pressure to demonstrate college-to-career pipelines. Institutions unable to align education with employable skills risk losing access to billions in federal aid, making adaptation an urgent necessity.
Beginning July 2026, Pell Grants will fund short-term workforce programmes for the first time, but only those proving direct job-market value. With AI reshaping industries, colleges face mounting pressure to demonstrate college-to-career pipelines. Institutions unable to align education with employable skills risk losing access to billions in federal aid, making adaptation an urgent necessity.
