The Pell for Very Short-Term Programs pilot expanded Pell Grant eligibility to allow eligible students to get funding for very short-term occupational programs that were previously ineligible. The program waived the requirement that Pell eligible programs include a minimum of 600 clock hours over 15 weeks. 

Primary services consisted of tuition assistance and financial aid for very short occupational training programs (8 to 15 weeks) leading to certificate or credential aligned with local or regional workforce needs. 

The Pell for Short-Term Programs for Post-Bachelor's Students pilot waived the federal prohibition on Pell Grants for students with a Bachelor’s degree who otherwise met the income requirements. The waiver applied to short-term occupational programs leading to a certificate or credential aligned with local or regional workforce needs.  

Funding supported programs that lasted up to 1 year (or up to 2 years if students were enrolled part-time).

The Skillpoint Alliance Gateway program provided accelerated, short-term training in high-demand occupations through a combination of classroom training and hands-on skill development to adults with a high school diploma or equivalent and challenges to employment. The training program used a worksite style environment and convenes a “tailgate” each morning to discuss shop issues and enhance employment readiness schools.

Capital IDEA Workforce Development Programs and Services provided workforce development training for high-demand occupations such as healthcare, information technology, and professional trades targeted to adults who have a high School diploma or equivalent but do not have a college degree. Participants must be accepted into the workforce development program, with the application process including completing an online information session and assessment process, participating in an initial counselling session, creating an individual training plan, and receiving a final recommendati

Paths to Promise (P2P) provided intensive team-based case management and extensive support services, including basic adult education, occupational skills training, work-based learning opportunities, and job search and placement assistance, targeting new and current SNAP work registrants. After an initial intake process, a career navigator either worked directly with individuals pursuing immediate employment on job search and placement assistance or referred them to a provider for education and training aligned with their goals.

The Padua Pilot aimed to promote self-sufficiency among families with low incomes who had an adult willing and able to work,  offering individualized and holistic case management services, which included job training, housing assistance, budgeting, financial literacy, and coaching for overall well-being.

New Orleans Career Pathway Training provided job-specific training in high-demand occupations, including advanced manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare and tuition support to under- and unemployed workers. Training providers included community colleges and other professional training providers, who coordinated with local firms to develop a curriculum and connect participants with employers. Participants received $6,000 worth of training credits to cover costs associated with attendance. 

Generating Opportunities to Attain Lifelong Success (GOALS) provided intensive case management followed by occupational skills training, job placement services with dedicated employment liaisons and postemployment services, targeting SNAP participants who were work registrants.GOALS began with a stabilization phase of intensive case management that included barrier identification and developing an individualized action plan to address mental health, substance use, basic education, and/or life skills needs, as indicated.

The EleVAte program placed able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) SNAP participants into one of three service components based on a reading level assessment and training interests: a hybrid online and in-person basic adult education program, a short-term occupational skills training course, or a longer-term occupational skills training course with integrated basic education.

Accelerated Study in Associate Programs Ohio (ASAP Ohio) provided community college students with up to three years of financial, academic, and personal supports to address barriers to success. Modeled on the ASAP program at the City University of New York (ASAP CUNY), academic supports included enhanced advising, career development services, and tutoring. Financial supports included a tuition waiver, assistance with textbook costs, and a monthly financial incentive.