Award year 2026–27 opened today, and with it the statutory start of Workforce Pell. Two things happened at once:

1. The State Workforce Pell Program Certification form is available (FSA Electronic Announcement GENERAL-26-44). This is the document your governor's process will complete for each program — program name, six-digit CIP code, SOC codes, approval date.
2. ED permits early implementation from July 1, ahead of the rule's July 20 effective date.

What to do

• Find your state's submission process — states are standing up intake at different speeds, and your governor's workforce board consultation is the first gate.
• Assemble the data the certification draws on: your first rate certifications use the most recent 12 months of administrative data, so completer lists and placement follow-up need to exist now.
• When certified, upload the form via the E-App and await the Secretary's determination. Program questions go to ED's mailbox: OB3SchoolQuestions@ed.gov.

The full process is mapped in governor certification and ED approval, and the 70/70 Report Generator will show you where your rates stand before the state does.