If you are interested in the pursuit of higher education, but not quite sure where to start in securing financial aid, a visit to the WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers is a good place to start. In addition to the many reference materials available in the Career Centers, we have experienced personnel to help guide you in the right direction.
What’s available for me and how do I become eligible?
Case managers have the tools necessary to determine potential eligibility for the following funding sources: PELL Grants, Scholarships, Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Trade Act Assistance (TAA) or other alternative funding.
Scholarships and Grants
Loans
Approved Training Programs
Scholarships and Grants
The federal government provides billions of dollars of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) begins the process. The application is available at www.fafsa.edu.gov
The following is a few of the existing federal financial aid programs:
• PELL Grant
Undergraduate students who establish financial need may obtain these grants. The amount range from $400 to $4050 each year. They do not need to be repaid and are made available through PELL eligible schools.
• Federal Suplemental Educational Oppority Grant (FSEOG)
These grants are given to undergraduate students with outstanding financial need and do not need to be repaid. They are awarded through participating colleges and universities.
• Federal Work-Study
This program is managed by each college or university which pays students to work on or off campus. Both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need may be qualified. These funds are part of a financial aid package through participanting colleges and universities.
• Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant (HEAPS)
Part-time students pursing an associate or bachelor degree may apply for HEAPS. Financial need is determined by the schools financial aid office. You must have been a West Virginia resident for the previous 12 months.
• Higher Education Grant
Award is based on financial need, academic performance standards and pursuing a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree. Grant is renewable up to eight semesters.
• PROMISE Scholarship
A West Virginia high school student seeking a degree at a West Virginia institution of higher education may be eligible for this scholarship. The merit-based scholarship program provides a full tuition and fee scholarship to qualified students.
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Scholarship
The WIA Scholarship is awarded through your nearest WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Center to eligible participants to finance training services. Training services must be provided by a certified WIA eligible provider. In addition to funding assistance for tuition, books, and fees, this scholarship may also pay a stipend directly to the participant. Eligiblity for the WIA Scholarship is dependant upon household income and work status.
How Do I Apply?
Contact your local WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Center to set up an appointment for WIA eligibility. You will meet with a WIA case manager who will guide you through the process.
• Region 1 Steps in Obtaining WIA Training
• WIA FAQs
• Approved Training Programs
• Demand Occupations
• ITA (Individual Training Account / Scholarship) Policy
• IEP
• MOU
• Educational Information Release
• Employment Persuit Agreement
• Employment Information Release
• Trade Act Assistance (TAA): If you have been laid off due to jobs going overseas, you may be eligible for TAA assistance. TAA is a federal program for workers whose employer closes, threatens a layoff or lays off workers due to foreign imports. Based on individual eligibility, members of a TAA certified worker group may receive such assistance as reemployment services, job search allowances, relocation allowances, trade readjustment allowances, transportation and subsistence allowance, health insurance coverage assistance tax credits and training services.
Other Links:
- Additional Aid Info
- Higher Education
- FAFSA Pin Numbers
- FASFA
- PROMISE Scholarship
- Bell Labs Fellowships for under-represented minorities
- Student Inventors Scholarships
- Student Video Scholarships
- Coca-Cola Two-Year College Scholarships
- Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships
- Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
- Brand Essay Competition
- Gates M illennium Scholarships
- Xerox Scholarships for Students
- Sports Scholarships and Internships
- National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ)
- Fin Aid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships
- Presidential Freedom Scholarships
- Microsoft Scholarship Program
- Wired Scholar Free Scholarship Search
- Hope Scholarships & Lifetime Credits
- Guaranteed Scholarships
- Actuarial Scholarships for Minority Students
- International Students Scholarships & Aid Help
- College Board Scholarship Search
- CollegeNet’s Scholarship Database
- Union Sponsored Scholarships and Aid
- Federal Scholarships & Aid Gateways 25 Scholarships Excel
- Scholarship & Financial Aid Help
- Aid & Resources For Re-Entry Students
- Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies
- HBCU Packard Sit Abroad Scholarships
- INROADS internships
- Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships
- ScienceNet Scholarship Listing
- Graduate Fellowships For Minorities Nationwide
- Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford
- The Roothbert Scholarship Fund
- US Department of Education
- Students.gov
- FastWeb
- CollegeNet
- MilITA (Individual Training Account / Scholarship)ry.com
Loans
Loans are available for undergraduates and graduates and MUST be paid back with interest. However, the interest rates are very low.
• Federal Perkins Loan
Participating Colleges and Universities award Perkins Loans. The amount awarded varies and also depends on whether you are in an undergraduate study or graduate program. They must be paid back with interest.
• Stafford Loan
Stafford Loans are for undergraduate, graduate and professional students. You must be enrolled as at least a half-time student to be eligible. These loans are awarded as subsidized or unsubsidized loans.
• Subsidized
Loan is available to students who demonstrate financial need. The amount of the loan varies depending on your year in school. The interest on subsidized loans are paid by the Department of Education while students are in school, for the six months after you leave school and during a period of deferment.
• Unsubsidized
This loan is available to students who do not have financial need. The borrower must pay the interest.
• Direct Plus Loan
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for these loans. The student must be enrolled at least half-time. The amount given is determined by student’s cost of attendance and the amount of other awards received. These loans must be paid back with interest.
• Other links
- www.studentaid.ed.gov
- www.americorps.org
- www.ed.gov/programs/iduesbyrd/index.html
- www.sudents.gov
- www.fastweb.com
- www.collegenet.com
- www.milITA (Individual Training Account / Scholarship)ry.com
Approved Training Providers
Training providers must submit an application for approval of their programs. In order to receive WIA funding, the training must be an approved training program. A list of the approved programs is available in our WORKFORCE West Virginia Centers. The list will include information about the program such as tuition costs, length of program and performance information.
• Other Links
• Links for Job Seekers
• Unemployment Compensation
• WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers
• Obtaining a GED or Upgrading Your Skills
• Skills Assessment
• Job & Career Counseling
• Demand Occupations
• Labor Market Information
• Earnings And Skill Requirements For Jobs
• Youth Programs
• Financial and Credit Counseling
• Healthcare Assistance
• Child Care Assistance
• RehabilITA (Individual Training Account / Scholarship)tion Services
• Starting Your Own Business