Governor implements Workforce Pell Grant Program in PR

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón

THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed Executive Order OE-2026-043 on Monday to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program in Puerto Rico, aimed at expanding access to federal funds for education and short-term training in occupations with high labor demand.

The measure establishes the commonwealth’s structure for evaluating postsecondary programs that may be considered for federal financial assistance. Under the framework in force since July 1, eligible students will be able to obtain scholarships for programs of between 150 and 599 contact hours, taught over periods of eight to 15 weeks.

The order also creates an Interagency Workforce Pell Committee, chaired by the secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, which will evaluate the programs and make recommendations to the governor. Representatives of the Labor and Human Resources, Education, and State departments, Institute of Statistics, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration and other entities linked to post-secondary educa

Evaluation criteria include employment, wage and vacancy data, as well as the programs’ ability to award recognized credentials, enable academic continuity, and have support from employers and industries.

The State Workforce Development Board will be responsible for coordinating the program and providing technical support to the committee. The recommendations will be submitted to the governor for state certification prior to the final evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education.

The government will also establish a tracking system to measure retention, credentialing, job placement and wages. The committee may recommend the modification, suspension, or withdrawal of certifications to programs that do not meet the established standards.