One of the main barriers keeping adults from returning to the classroom has now been removed thanks to Missouri’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.
The financial aid program ensures, when combined with other government resources, that tuition and fees are fully covered for eligible students age 25 and older who are seeking a degree, certificate or industry-recognized credential in a high-demand career.
Students younger than 25 also may be eligible to receive the grant if they haven’t been enrolled in any educational program within the last two years.
“We are extremely excited about this new opportunity for our area residents,” Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor Shirley Lawler said. “The program is designed to address critical workforce needs by helping residents who may not qualify for other financial aid programs pay for the training they need to fill high-demand jobs in our area.
“We know from our business and industry partners in the region that jobs are available. They just need qualified individuals to fill them. This program will give area residents another resource they can utilize to fill those positions and advance their careers,” she added.
Programs approved for funding
Missouri State-West Plains offers several degree and certificate programs approved for the funding. Degrees include:
- Health Information Technology
- Nursing
- Pre-Engineering
- Teaching
- Technology
Certificates approved for funding include:
- Advanced Industrial Maintenance
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Agricultural Business
- Alternative Energy
- Electronic Records Specialist
- Medical Administrative Office Assistant
- Medical/Clinical Assistant
- Technology Management
Fast Track grant awards will cover any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal student aid programs. When other aid programs cover all tuition and fees, students could receive up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible, students must be Missouri residents who do not have a bachelor’s degree and are planning to enroll full or part time. They also must have a household income of $80,000 or less for a family or $40,000 or less for an individual.
Grant recipients must maintain Missouri residence and work in Missouri for three years after graduation to prevent the grant from becoming a loan that must be repaid with interest.
For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s Fast Track website, MoFastTrack.com.
For information on how Fast Track can be used for Missouri State-West Plains’ degrees and certificates, call the financial aid office at 417-255-7243.