New College Scholarships for Laid-Off Workers
The unemployed can take classes free at a growing number of community colleges.
A small but growing number of government agencies and colleges are rushing to help laid-off workers afford retraining and college courses by offering free or discounted tuition.
Most of the new scholarships for the jobless are being given by community colleges. Many cover only a few specific job-related programs. And, generally, the financial aid doesn't cover extra costs of college, including fees, textbooks, or transportation. What's more, many are being offered for a limited time, so interested students should call their community colleges as soon as possible.
The tuition grants are a godsend for people like Frank DeCristina, 52, of Bloomington, Minn., who lost a job supervising computer assembly recently. If it weren't for the two free business courses at a nearby community college, he would have been "pretty depressed ... The job market's pretty bleak." His management and salesmanship classes gave him new hope and inspired him to widen his choices by writing a business plan.
Free tuition: In Illinois, Oakton Community College will waive tuition for up to 12 credit hours of courses in five in-demand careers. The No Worker Left Behind program in Michigan provides up to two years' worth of free tuition for unemployed and underemployed workers.
New Jersey community colleges will let unemployed workers enroll free in courses with empty seats. In Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College is offering up to 30 free credits. The Community College of Allegheny County is offering free tuition for 10 career certification programs. The Northampton Community College is offering one semester's worth of free tuition.
Partial scholarships and grants: Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Minnesota will waive half its tuition for the recently unemployed.
Besides these new school-based scholarships, unemployed workers can apply for special governmental programs, such as those for workers laid off because of imports. They can also try for the standard grants, scholarships, and student loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. More information is available at career or unemployment centers and college financial aid offices.
Reader Comments
ONLINE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Many people are trying for scholarships. Sure there are millions of them out there. However, it might be the time to try other approaches in locating scholarships. These methods are free, too. First, try the high school guidance office. It has a list of local scholarships for current high school students. Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web. Finally, try the college's financial aid office. It has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major will list scholarships on its website too.
Scholarship and finalcial -aid
I see no one knows or Cares uh. I am in the same boat. I know there is help thru VoCation Rehab for you to return to school. To get retrained. Thru state funded programs but I don't know about your daughter. TO the best of my knowledge there isnt'.
No does anyone seem to care.
They say in all the adds there are Free Goverment grants available but there are alot of places that make you pay to get that information . If we had that information. WE would't be in need of it eh. I have been disabled and now are being retrained myself. But its hard. ITs seems People are only focused on certain ones these days.
scholarships and financial-aid
my question is are their any scholarships for people who are disabled? AS a disable parent what type of scholarships and financial aid can be offer to my child as she enter college.
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