The U.S. Department of Education opened a 30-day public comment period on proposed regulations for the new Workforce Pell Grant program, seeking input on eligibility and accountability guardrails. The rule would let governors and state workforce boards certify short-term programs—some as short as eight weeks—if they meet proposed standards including a 70% graduation threshold and initial job-placement requirements. Education officials framed the rule as expanding affordable, employer-aligned pathways, but lawmakers and higher‑ed advocates differ on sufficiency of protections for students and program quality. The comment window closes April 8, setting up a fast-moving policy timeline ahead of program implementation.