The federal Pell Grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to students in degree- or certificate-seeking programs, meaning vocational students are eligible. The grant is based on student financial need, which is determined by the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) that students must fill out yearly. Students must not be convicted of a drug-related offense to be eligible for this grant. The amount of the grant varies from year to year, but those with the most financial need are awarded around $5,000 a year if enrolled full time. Part-time enrollment decreases the amount of the award by half.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to the students with the most financial need, according to the attending institution. The grant is given at the discretion of the vocational school, and can range from $100 to $4,000. Students apply for the FSEOG through the FAFSA. Unlike the Pell Grant, each school has a limit for how many of these grants it can award, so many schools award the grant to the first students who apply for financial aid and demonstrate significant financial need.
Aside from the federal grants, most states also have grants available for vocational school students. The grant amounts and eligibility range from state to state, with some states such as Tennessee awarding as much as $4,000 per year for recent high school graduates with high grade point averages. The best place to find information regarding your specific state's grants is the state's higher education agency.