‘First of its Kind’, New Workforce Pell Grant Program launches in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) -The Pell Grant has helped make higher education more affordable for decades.

This federal funding program has now launched a first-of-its- kind initiative in Nebraska.

The Workforce Pell Grant Program made its debut at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha on Tuesday and will soon be offered at six other community colleges across the state.

It helps students, such as new high school graduates or those looking for a second chance, gain technical skills needed to get high paying jobs in as little as 8-15 weeks.

“This is about lifting people up, helping at a critical time in their life,” said Governor Jim Pillen.

The program requires you to have a high school diploma or GED, and a desire to work.

It goes hand in hand with the previously launched, “Good Life’s Great Careers” initiative which aims to add six thousand apprenticeships to Nebraska’s workforce.

Department of Labor Director Katie Thurber says they conducted a screening to identify high paying jobs.

Currently, the Workforce Pell Program offers four programs, across 40 occupations; Pharmacy Technician certification, Phlebotomy Technician Certification, Commercial Driver’s License and CompTIA+ certification.

Metro Community College President Randy Schmailzl says hundreds more programs like these are now in development.

“These are non-credit programs. Most colleges are only interested in credit. Metro’s interested in helping our local businesses and statewide businesses developing opportunities that revolve around competencies,” said Schmailzl.

Another crucial partner is the Department of Corrections.

Director Rob Jeffreys praised what the program will mean for those getting out of jail and looking to stay out.

“Nebraskans returning to the community will have an opportunity that supports their families as I mentioned and contribute to their communities as a citizen,” said Jeffreys.

“Reentry is just not the responsibility of corrections. It’s the responsibility of the state.”

Former inmate Terrence Turner has been out of jail for about a year now.

He’s working towards obtaining a CDL certification and says he’s thankful for this new program.

Turner described to Channel 8 what this accomplishment will mean to him once he’s done.

“I’m just going to be so ecstatic, man, [for] my kids, to be able to show and live a legacy that, you know, that I never had before growing up,” he said.

Metropolitan Community College is the first school to implement the Workforce Pell Grant Program and Nebraska is the first state in the country to launch it.

Governor Pillen says he’s excited to know that Nebraska is leading the way.