Workforce Pell Grant Act – A Community College Student Success Opportunity

College access advocates have legitimate concerns that the Workforce Pell Grant Act could have an unintended negative impact on students related to lifetime Pell Grant eligibility. Students may eventually review associate and bachelor’s degree options and the funds utilized for the short-term job training program may limit future Pell Grant educational financing. This new dynamic is similar to the longer-term concern that remedial/developmental courses some college students are required to take will impact them running out of funding later in their educational endeavors.

Community colleges have a great opportunity to serve students who qualify for the Workforce Pell Grant Act. First, they can offer training at a lower cost than other organizations. While this provides students a benefit, policy and operational coordination is needed to fully support students. Following are some specific examples of what can be done.

High School Students – Vocational-Technical courses available for college dual enrollment can be offered and then placed on the community college transcript. This saves the students time and money. Students with an interest in these fields should enroll. Also, these credits could be a college degree elective for students entering other career fields.

All Students – Credit for Work Experience and Industry Recognized Credentials transferring into the community college as degree credit can also assist students. A timely review of these documents is important, way before the student applies for college graduation, so this information is available for academic advising appointments.

Student Advising Approach – Many associates of applied science degree programs have mini certificates and other certificates a student can earn along the way towards obtaining their degree. Some specific examples are electronic technology, computer aided drafting and automotive services.  Students should be advised to stack credentials.

Non-Credit and College Credit Department Coordination – Some community colleges might have a field of study being taught in both divisions. For example, IT and electronics. Coordination can assist students in the non-credit courses to be considered for college credit if they decide later on to work towards a degree program.

Utilizing these steps can allow community colleges to utilize the Workforce Pell Grant to promote short term and long-term student retention and success.

Kenneth McGhee is a Financial Aid and Enrollment Management Consultant.