Do you need more training to get a better career?
Whether you need to earn a high school equivalency (Hi-set), are just graduating from high school, want to go to school for the first time as an adult of any age, or need to finish a post-secondary degree, there's probably a program to help make that happen!
Start a New Career with a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training Scholarship
Going back to school to complete a program or get re-trained in a new skill can be the gateway to higher wages and increased job options. Scholarships up to $4,000 per year, after other state and federal financial aid, are available for up to two years of training. Scholarships are awarded based on applicant suitability, eligibility and the availability of training funds. Training must be for an occupation list on the targeted occupations list for Tennessee. Training on the list is available from the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, Community Colleges, Universities, and other certified programs.
How to apply
Career Advisors at an American Job Center will first meet with you to determine your options, your existing skills and education, and then research the occupations that fit your career goals. To make an appointment with a Career Advisor, contact your local American Job Center. Northwest Tennessee locations can be found here.
Tennessee Reconnect provides a last-dollar scholarship for adults to earn an associate degree or technical certificate without having to pay tuition or mandatory fees.
To apply, Tennessee residents should complete the application at TNReconnect.gov, apply to a local community college or eligible institution, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and enroll in a degree or certificate program at least part-time.
To be eligible, an individual must have lived in Tennessee at least one year, not already hold an associate or bachelor's degree, and be determined as an independent student on the FAFSA.
**The American Job Center offers scholarships to qualifying applicants to help cover what Reconnect does not--including travel!
The HOPE Scholarship is established and funded from the net proceeds of the state lottery and awarded to entering freshmen who are enrolled at an eligible postsecondary institution within sixteen (16) months after graduating from a Tennessee eligible high school.
If you would like more imformation on how to apply, please visit The Tennessee Hope Scholarship page on TN.Gov.
Tennessee Promise Scholarship provides Tennessee high school graduates the opportunity to attend a community or technical college free of tuition and mandatory fees. Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program.
Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high School, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied.
If you would like more information on how to apply, please visit the Tennessee Promise Scholarship page on TN.Gov.
Don't have a High School Diploma?
Adult Education, as part of the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA), provides services to adults to build the knowledge and skills necessary for high school equivalency (HiSET), employment, post-secondary opportunities, and economic self-sustainability. For information on how to enroll, visit Adult Education's website.
For more information about your options for further education or training, contact a Career Advisor at an American Job Center location near you.