AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) is expanding opportunities for students to access short-term, high-demand workforce training through the new federal Workforce Pell Grant initiative. R-CCC was among the first group of community colleges in North Carolina to submit programs for consideration under Workforce Pell, with three programs approved thus far: Welding, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training. 

R-CCC’s Workforce Division, under the guidance of VP Steven Mathews and Dean Natasha Worthington, submitted five short-term workforce programs for consideration as part of the new initiative. Three programs have been approved, while the remaining two are still pending review. 

Workforce Pell significantly expands federal financial aid eligibility for students pursuing short-term, non-credit industry credential pathways, allowing qualifying students to enroll in approved short-term workforce and continuing education training programs. The initiative is designed to help make career-focused education more accessible while strengthening pathways into high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations. North Carolina began accepting applications for Workforce Pell programs in June 2026, ahead of the program's July implementation. 

R-CCC's approved programs in Welding, EMT, and CDL directly support workforce needs across the region by preparing students for careers in skilled trades, emergency medical services (EMT), and commercial transportation (CDL). The College's participation in Workforce Pell reflects its continued commitment to developing accessible training opportunities that connect students with the credentials and skills local and regional employers need. 

"R-CCC is committed to making career and workforce training as accessible as possible for the communities we serve," said R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams. "Workforce Pell provides another pathway for students to pursue short-term training that can lead directly to employment and long-term career opportunities. Having three of our programs approved is an important step in connecting financial aid opportunities with the workforce needs of our region." 

The Workforce Pell initiative establishes a new pathway for eligible students to receive federal Pell Grant assistance for qualifying short-term workforce training programs. Eligible programs must meet federal and state requirements, including program length, hours, credentials, workforce demand, and student outcomes. 

For R-CCC, the approval of these programs further demonstrates the College's proactive approach to preparing students for today's workforce while responding to the needs of employers throughout the Roanoke-Chowan region. Through Workforce and Continuing Education, R-CCC continues to provide career-focused training designed to help students gain valuable skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and move into meaningful employment. 

For more information about Workforce Pell-approved programs and upcoming workforce training opportunities, contact R-CCC Continuing Education & Workforce Development at 252-862-1278 or 252-862-1234.