Statement on Workforce Pell 2025

The Manufacturing Institute (MI) proudly celebrates the passage of the Workforce Pell Grant Program in Congress, a critical step forward in strengthening America’s workforce and manufacturing competitiveness. 

Federal Pell Grants have long served as a vital lifeline for students with exceptional financial need. With the expansion of eligibility to include high-quality, short-term training programs, more Americans will now have the opportunity to gain the skills they need to secure good-paying, in-demand jobs in manufacturing. 

For years, the MI and manufacturing leaders have advocated for this expansion, recognizing that short-term, targeted training is essential to meeting the evolving needs of modern manufacturing. The MI has championed this cause over several sessions of Congress, and now we see the results of that persistent effort. 

“Manufacturers rely on agile, responsive training programs to keep pace with rapid technological advancements on the plant floor,” said Gardner Carrick, Chief Program Office at the Manufacturing Institute. “The Workforce Pell Grant will empower more jobseekers to pursue these programs and step directly into high-quality careers.” 

As the demand for skilled talent continues to grow, this expansion will help close the skills and applicant gap that manufacturers across the country face. Jobseekers are increasingly looking for training that gets them into the classroom and onto the jobsite as efficiently as possible. The Workforce Pell Grant makes that pathway more accessible than ever. 

The MI applauds Congress for this achievement and looks forward to welcoming a new generation of skilled workers into the manufacturing sector. 

– The Manufacturing Institute –

The Manufacturing Institute builds a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.