Increase Enrollment

Paying tuition is a big obstacle for many students, but you might be able to help them out, even if your institution doesn’t offer federal financial aid programs.

Here are a few funding options to share with students that are completely separate from federal financial aid programs:

Workforce Investment Act

What it is: a federally funded job-training program that assists unemployed or underemployed individuals obtain the skills and knowledge needed to secure employment in an in-demand industry.

What you need to do: Because funding is distributed to state Workforce Investment Boards, contact your local Workforce Investment Board and submit your programs for Workforce Investment Act approval and inclusion on the Eligible Training Provider List.

How students can access the funds: Individuals can apply to obtain Workforce Investment Act funding at their local American Job Center. Eligible participants can use their funding toward any training program approved by the local Workforce Investment Board (so see above and make sure you’re on the list).

Vocational Rehabilitation

What it is: a federally funded program designed to assist individuals with disabilities prepare for, enter, and retain employment.

What you need to do: In general, there is not a program approval process for Vocational Rehabilitation, but you many need to register to become an approved vendor. Contact your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency for information.

How students can access the funds: Interested individuals can contact their state Vocational Rehabilitation agency for more information, or obtain information on eligibility at their local American Job Center.

Trade Adjustment Assistance

What it is: a special type of funding for certain dislocated workers who have become unemployed due to trade related reasons.

What you need to do: Programs approved for WIA are usually approved for TAA participants as well! Contact your local WIB for further details.

How students can access the funds: The Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance reviews petitions that are filed by groups of workers to determine if the layoffs are directly related to foreign trade. Individuals that are part of an approved petition receive a certification which allows them to apply for TAA benefits. One of the benefits under the TAA programs is funding for career training. Individuals who qualify for TAA can apply for benefits at their local American Job Center.

Of course all these resources have eligibility requirements for both schools and students. Reach out to your local Workforce Investment Board or Vocational Rehabilitation agency for more information. Or drop our consulting group a line.