FORT DODGE, Iowa — Iowa Central Community College is the first college in the nation approved to offer Workforce Pell funding, allowing eligible students in its 14-week EMT program to use federal Pell Grants to help pay for tuition, KTIV reported.
The Workforce Pell program expands Pell Grant eligibility to approved short-term workforce training programs. Programs must have been operating for at least 12 months before qualifying.
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State leaders said the approval could help address Iowa’s ongoing need for EMTs by reducing financial barriers to training.
“Recruiting EMTs has been a struggle for many of our communities because of the cost of the training and the time to get certified,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “That’s why Workforce Pell is such a game-changer.”
Reynolds said the program allows colleges such as Iowa Central to prepare students for careers in as little as eight to 15 weeks while helping them avoid significant student debt.
Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich said the funding will expand access to EMT education for working adults and part-time students.
“More students, including working adults and part-time students, will have the opportunity to answer a calling, strengthen their communities and quite literally save lives,” Ulrich said.
State officials said Workforce Pell eligibility could eventually expand to additional career training programs, including welding and commercial truck driving. Three more Iowa community colleges are awaiting approval.
Demand for EMTs in Iowa is expected to grow by as many as 500 positions over the next five years.
