How Cengage Work Is Preparing for Workforce Pell Rulemaking: Expanding Access to Career-Focused Education
As federal rulemaking for Workforce Pell gets underway, conversations across higher education and workforce development are accelerating. To contribute to this important dialogue, Rya Conrad-Bradshaw, SVP at Cengage Work, joined President’s Forum Executive Director Wesley Smith to share how her team is approaching this moment and what they are hearing from partners across the country. Her perspective reflects Cengage Work’s long-standing commitment to expanding access to flexible, job-aligned learning pathways for working adults.
Watch the full video interview with Rya Conrad-Bradshaw and Wesley Smith for deeper insights into Workforce Pell rulemaking:
What Is Workforce Pell—and Why Does It Matter?
Workforce Pell is a proposed expansion of Pell Grant eligibility, designed to support short-term, career-focused education and workforce training programs. Traditionally, Pell Grants have helped learners access longer-term, credit-bearing college programs. Workforce Pell aims to open these grants to high-quality programs between 150 – 600 clock hours, making it possible for working adults and career changers to quickly upskill for in-demand jobs.
This policy represents one of the most significant federal investments in workforce development in over a decade. By expanding access to flexible, job-aligned learning pathways, Workforce Pell has the potential to help more learners gain the skills they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Cengage Work’s Approach to Workforce Pell Rulemaking
As federal rulemaking for Workforce Pell begins, leaders in higher education and workforce development are focused on how this policy will expand access to short-term, career-relevant training. At Cengage Work, we partner with colleges, state systems and employers to deliver flexible, job-aligned learning pathways. Our team is actively engaged in the Workforce Pell rulemaking process, advocating for clear, consistent and student-centered guidance that benefits learners and institutions alike.
Key Themes in Workforce Pell Rulemaking
1. Including Non-Credit Workforce Training Programs
Most workforce training happens outside the traditional credit-bearing system. For Workforce Pell to reach the learners who need it most, non-credit pathways must be included. Cengage Work is committed to ensuring these programs are recognized and that learners can seamlessly connect non-credit training to credit-bearing credentials, supporting lifelong learning and career advancement.
2. Clarifying Partnership Models for Workforce Education
Institutions nationwide rely on external partners to deliver specialized workforce programs in fields like IT, healthcare, logistics, and cybersecurity. Workforce Pell rulemaking must define partnership roles and responsibilities clearly, so colleges and employers can continue building high-quality, capacity-expanding programs that meet local workforce needs.
3. Navigating State-Level Implementation
Workforce Pell intersects with governors, workforce boards, and state agencies, leading to varied implementation across states. For online institutions and national providers, understanding and preparing for these differences is crucial. Cengage Work supports partners by sharing best practices and helping them navigate evolving requirements.
4. Defining Realistic Outcomes for Short-Term Programs
Success in short-term workforce programs is measured by completion rates, job placement, and earnings. These programs serve different learner profiles and operate on accelerated timelines compared to traditional degrees. Cengage Work advocates for outcome measures that reflect the realities of workforce learners.
Looking Ahead: Supporting Learners and Institutions
As Workforce Pell rulemaking continues, Cengage Work remains deeply engaged—listening to institutions, supporting state and federal partners, and advocating for clarity, flexibility, and quality in workforce education. Our goal is to help learners access the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s job market.