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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A program recently approved by the Legislature will provide tuition assistance for those seeking worker training through noncredit programs at Nebraska community colleges.
The Community College Gap Assistance Program will receive funding from the Nebraska Lottery to help provide financial aid to low-income students and employees, the Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/1RumnaA ) reported. High school graduates seeking professional certificates or training in nondegree programs can't apply for financial aid from federal or state governments.
A 2014 survey of an estimated 1,200 business leaders by the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce indicates that a lack of aid for those programs has placed a strain on the state's economy. More than half of the companies surveyed say hiring qualified employees remains their biggest challenge. At least 25 percent indicated not enough available skilled labor was preventing them from growing their business.
"It's truly filling a gap," said state Sen. Kate Bolz of Lincoln, who introduced the bill for the program. "Federal financial aid does not extend to these short-term programs despite the fact they add significant value to the workforce."
The state's gap assistance program is modeled after a similar one in Iowa.
Nebraska's program will start with $1.5 million of lottery funds in 2016 and will help pay, tuition, fees and equipment costs for those accepted. Officials say each applicant must agree to meet regularly with a faculty adviser, attend business classes and develop a job search plan.
They also must seek employment in career fields deemed "in-demand" by lawmakers. They include financial, computer, engineering or health services and manufacturing.
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Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com
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