The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner is accepting 2026-2027 pilot applications from eligible institutions seeking state certification of short-term programs for federal Workforce Pell participation. The program is an approval pathway rather than a direct institutional grant award. After state and federal approval, eligible students may use prorated federal Workforce Pell aid in approved programs.
Eligible programs and healthcare pathways
Programs must be offered by an accredited, Title IV-eligible institution, be state-approved and in operation for at least one year, run 8 to 14 weeks with 150 to 599 clock hours, and lead to an industry-recognized credential aligned with a Rhode Island high-skill, high-wage, in-demand occupation. Rhode Island’s current priority list includes Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses and Occupational Therapy Assistants, and also permits qualifying Related Technical Instruction for a Registered Apprenticeship.
Programs must satisfy federal performance baselines of at least 70% completion within 150% of normal time and 70% job placement in the second quarter after completion. Institutions must submit the Rhode Island Workforce Pell Program Data Submission file and supporting evidence, including credential stackability, employer or industry validation, the institution Program Participation Agreement, applicable Related Technical Instruction validation, and credit-articulation evidence.
Deadline and submission
Applications are due September 16, 2026. The controlling RIOPC page does not publish a submission clock time or time zone. Application materials are submitted electronically to workforcepell@riopc.edu following the instructions and file naming requirements on the official Workforce Pell page.
Atlas does not identify a legitimate direct role for the Nonagon N9+ device and platform in this state certification process. Any healthcare relevance is institution-led and limited to qualifying workforce programs.