A change in federal law will allow thousands enrolled in short‑term, job‑focused programs to tap federal grants for tuition—a shift advocates call a potential game changer for workforce connectivity. The policy expands financial aid to non‑degree and accelerated training pathways that align with labor-market needs, but implementation details remain unresolved: certification standards, program quality guardrails, and state/federal oversight mechanisms must be defined. Higher‑education leaders and workforce partners warn that without clear accreditation and outcome measures, the move could sow variability in program value and complicate institutions' budgeting. Early adopters in community colleges and nondegree providers are already planning pilots to capture the new funding streams.