US Department of Labor opens $65 million round for community college training

New funding round focuses on Workforce Pell Grants eligibility, portable credentials, and tighter links between colleges and employers.

The US Department of Labor is making $65 million available through Round 6 of its Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants program, continuing its investment in short-term, employer-aligned workforce training.

The funding is intended to help community colleges expand programs that qualify for the newly authorized Workforce Pell Grants and better integrate with state workforce systems.

Keith Sonderling, United States Deputy Secretary of Labor, took to LinkedIn to announce the opportunity, writing:

“The U.S. Department of Labor is announcing the availability of $65 million in funding to support programs that help community colleges develop high-quality, short-term training programs that meet employers’ and workers’ skill development needs.

This funding opportunity complements DOL's recent guidance on the integration of the workforce and education systems, the U.S. Department of Education's priorities that seek to scale talent marketplaces, and America’s Talent Strategy, while focusing on programs that seek eligibility for the newly authorized Workforce Pell Grants.

Funding will continue to support efforts that strengthen the connection between community colleges and employers and will help industry sectors pursue Workforce Pell Grants eligibility.

Significantly, the programs must be portable and stackable across a career pathway while also meeting employers' hiring requirements for in-demand industries.”

Applications for Round 6 close May 20, 2026. The Department of Labor expects to make around 10 awards, ranging from $6.5 million to $10.8 million.

Focus on Workforce Pell and system alignment

Workforce Pell Grants allow eligible students to use federal Pell Grant funding for approved short-term workforce training programs, expanding access beyond traditional two- and four-year degree pathways.

Round 6 centers on expanding access to short-term training programs that qualify for Workforce Pell Grants. The Department of Labor states that grants will promote industry-driven strategies, worker mobility, and integration with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act partners to support statewide impact.

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.

The emphasis on portable and stackable programs reflects a wider federal shift toward modular credentials tied directly to employer demand. Programs must sit within defined career pathways and align with hiring requirements in in-demand sectors.

Five rounds, 207 colleges, $265 million to date

The new funding builds on five previous rounds of the Strengthening Community Colleges initiative.

Across Rounds 1 to 5, 207 community colleges in 35 states received a combined $265 million in funding. This includes 73 lead grantees and 134 consortium members.

Grant awards have supported sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, construction, transportation, clean energy, agriculture, and broadband infrastructure.

Round Five alone distributed $65 million to 18 colleges, supporting 41 institutions including consortia members, with projects running through January 2029.

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