State Grants Will Provide Financial Aid to Adult Students

State grant funds soon will be available for adult students seeking a degree or training in high-demand fields to ensure that money is not a barrier to education.

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program covers any tuition and fee costs — not already covered by other state and federal student aid programs — for Missouri residents 25 years and older, or those who have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years. There are 29 Fast Track grant-eligible programs available at East Central College.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development program was created to provide adults with the financial means to start a career in a high-demand industry, such as teaching, welding, computer information systems, nursing and many more.

Students could receive up to $500 for other education-related expenses if other sources of aid already fully cover tuition and fees.

The following requirements must be met to be eligible for the Fast Track grant program:

• Students must be at least 25 years old or have not been enrolled in an education program at any level within the past two years.
• Students cannot already have a bachelor’s degree and they must plan to enroll part-time or full-time.
• Single tax filers must make less than $40,000 per year, or $80,000 or as a joint tax filer.
• Students must enroll in an eligible program at least half-time.

The Fast Track application for the 2023-24 academic year, which includes the 2023 fall semester, will be available to complete June 30. Classes begin Aug. 21.

A complete list of programs and additional grant information is available at www.eastcentral.edu/finaid/financial-aid-home/fast-track-grant/. Prospective students also may contact Kathy Luther at Kathy.Luther@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6571.