According to the department, the new grants will cover high-quality workforce programs that can prepare students for employment in as little as eight weeks, and governors will help determine which programs qualify in their states. [1][2]
The department's fact sheet says eligible programs must run for at least eight weeks but less than 15 weeks, span 150 to 599 clock hours or the credit-hour equivalent, and meet accountability tests on completion, employment and value-added earnings. It says programs must post at least 70 per cent completion and 70 per cent employment rates to remain eligible. [2]
The same fact sheet says the rule formally takes effect on 20 July 2026, but institutions can choose early implementation from 1 July 2026. [2]