Sources (where applicable) of state, local, and other private aid include state grants, scholarships, and agency funding, which are available from organizations such as those listed below. Note that these sources are separate from federal student financial aid sources and private lending sources. Please consult the Financial Aid Office or funding grantor for additional information.
The state’s higher education webpage may be visited for more information on specific state grant options.
Students interested in scholarships are encouraged to search using FinAid!, a leading scholarship search provider for students. Their free service matches scholarships to the students’ specific qualifications and can be accessed online at www.FinAid.org.
- The Pennsylvania State Grant Program is a financial assistance program that provides funding to eligible Pennsylvanians and helps them afford the costs of higher education. PHEAA administers the Pennsylvania State Grant Program at no cost to taxpayers, ensuring that every dollar appropriated to the program goes directly to students. Funding for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program may be paid in part or in whole by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 1200 North 7th Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 1- 800-233-0557, www.pheaa.org
- Vocational Rehabilitation OVR provides a wide range of services to eligible applicants. Some services can help you overcome or lessen your disability; others can directly help you prepare for a career. The services you receive will be arranged to meet your individual needs. Not everyone will need every service. OVR services include: Training: Education to prepare you for a job including, but not limited to, basic academic, vocational/technical, college, on-the-job training, independent living skills, and personal and work adjustment training. Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation 1521 North Sixth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/vocational_rehabilitation/ - TAA Program. The Trade Act allows workers whose jobs have been affected by foreign competition to receive a variety of benefits and reemployment services. The goal of the Trade Act is to assist dislocated workers in obtaining suitable (family sustaining) employment from a combination of reemployment services and possibly training. Department of Labor & Industry's Federal Programs unit Fax: 717-772-0378. Access through Careerlink Office 35 Franklin Ave, Scranton, PA 18503 (570) 963-4671. www.pacareerlinklackawanna.org
- Workforce Investment Act, Workforce Investment Act of Pennsylvania is designed to assist students who have been affected by the downturn in the economy to re-enter the workforce in a career where they can excel and benefit the employer at the same time. This is a state funded program that has regional offices in most parishes that award funding for that specific parish. The funding is awarded based on need, availability, and several other factors. Students must meet with a counselor in their area prior to entering an education program. . Access through Careerlink Office 35 Franklin Ave, Scranton, PA 18503 (570) 963-4671. www.pacareerlinklackawanna.org
Fortis Institute (FI) offers partial scholarships to area high schools. As a community service, Fortis Institute Scholarship Program may award up to $30,000 to area high schools. High school students should check with their individual high school counselor for eligibility information and application materials.
All scholarship recipients must be a High School Senior in good standing. All Students take the TABE examination. The Students with the top 10 scores will be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee will choose 5 students to award scholarships for 25% of their tuition. The scholarship is awarded per quarter while the student is attending classes at Fortis Institute Scholarship recipients are responsible for all tuition and fee charges above the contribution of the scholarship.