Financial Assistance for Youth
Funding Resources for Education and Training
What does funding support?
Funding for such services is provided through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which is a no-cost employment program designed to give individuals the support and/or skills training they need to find a job. Specifically, funding through WIOA can provide:
What kind of training is available?
To ensure individuals who receive training find jobs, funding is only granted for training in targeted occupations and key industries in the Heart of Texas region (Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties). For a complete list of the occupations for which training is available, please click here.
WIOA-funded training for eligible occupations is provided by a wide variety of certified training providers in our region. If selected for WIOA-funded training, individuals are able to pick the training provider of their choice. For a complete list of training providers certified for the WIOA program in the area, please visit www.twc.state.tx.us/boards.
How do I find out if I'm eligible for funding?
When you apply for WIOA, you become eligible for career services. Your application will be assigned to a Career Specialist who will review your financial assistance application. Your Career Specialist will then contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss your employment and educational goals.
Individuals must meet the basic eligibility requirements provided below to qualify for employment and educational funding from Workforce Solutions. Additional eligibility requirements may vary based on program and funding sources.
- Reside in the Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions service area which includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties
- Complete our Workforce Solutions Financial Aid Application and provide proof of eligibility
- Meet basic eligibility requirements related to age, family income level, U.S. citizenship, etc. and provide supporting documents (see Common Documents list below)
- To receive federal or state benefits, males must have registered for Selective Service at least 30 days prior to their 26th birthday. If you are a male under the age of 26, you will be required to register for Selective Service to be eligible for funding. Please visit the Selective Service System website for additional information and exceptions.
- Occasionally, there is a waitlist for some types of funding provided by Workforce Solutions. Your case worker will discuss your specific eligibility and funding availability with you once your application has been reviewed.
To get started, dowload and complete the Heart of Texas Workforce Solutions application for financial assistance. Once completed, submit your application via email to dorothy.paul@hotworkforce.com or drop it off at your local Workforce Solutions Center.
What to expect after submitting your application
Common Documents
The following are some of the documents you will be required to provide to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or ability to work in the United States
- Proof of income for all working household members, including name, address, and phone number of the employer, work hours/days, rate and schedule of pay
- Proof of household income received from other sources such as TANF, SSI, etc.
- Proof of layoff (such as a letter from your employer) and/or unemployment insurance benefit documents
- Proof of your current school hours and registration that includes documentation of your degree plan (if pursuing one) and your credit/clock hours if you are going to school
- Additional eligibility requirements may be required and will vary based on program and funding sources. Your designated Career Specialist will inform you of what documents you will need.
Additional Funding Sources for Education and Training
You will find different resources, and you can check out a variety of web sites below:
- Collegeforalltexans.com
- Federal Student Aid Information Center
- U.S. Department of Education Free
- Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Pell Grants
Pell Grants are federal grants that don’t have to be repaid. They are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. How much you get will depend not only on your financial resources, but also on your cost of attendance, whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. You may receive only one Pell Grant in an award year, and you may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
