Why the short-term Pell offers limited yet promising results

University Business

Alcino Donadel

November 25, 2024

An experimental Pell Grant awarded to students in short-term workforce training programs helped increase enrollment and completion rates, but it did not strengthen their outcomes in the job market, according to a federal report.

The study, headed by the Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences, analyzed how un- or underemployed adult learners fared in higher education and beyond if offered federal aid for short-term credentials in high-demand fields. The first experiment focused on year-long programs pursued by bachelor’s holding students. The second pilot studied credentials programs lasting eight to 15 weeks.

Forty-six postsecondary schools participated, most of which were public two-year colleges located in the Southeast.

• There was no significant difference in employment rates or wages about six years after being randomly assigned to the study.

• Students bolstered with federal aid to enroll in high-demand fields did not fare better in the job market than those pursuing other industries.

• Just as likely to use federal loans. This money most likely covered additional costs such as books, tuition, fees and living expenses, the report suggested.

It’s also important to note that the report did not find any significant difference in these findings across students’ socio-economic backgrounds.

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