Fast Track
Designed to fill workforce gaps, this financial aid program encourages adults to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-related credential in areas where demand is high and workers are needed.
What is Fast Track?
The State of Missouri has created a new financial aid program, the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, for adult learners pursing education and training in high-demand industries. This new program is ideal for adults with some college, but no degree or someone who has an associate degree but needs an additional credential to advance to a better job.
6 Steps to Get on the Fast Track
What programs at STLCC are included?
STLCC offers over 40 programs that qualify for the Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant program.
Business, Management and Technology
Engineering and Skilled Trades
Health Professions
Science and Science Technology
Who is Eligible?
- Individuals who are 25 years of age or older or individuals who have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years can participate.
- Individuals who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree and are planning to enroll part-time or full time.
- Individuals who make no more than $40,000 per year, filing single, or not more than $80,000 filing jointly.
When does the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant begin?
This financial aid program begins with the 2019-20 academic year.
How were programs identified?
The Coordinating Board for Higher Education identified fields of study that will prepare students to enter areas of the workforce which are needed in Missouri. They developed the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) list, which identifies 635 program classifications in Missouri. More than 30 STLCC programs are included on this list.
How do I apply for a Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant?
It is expected that the application will be available through the State Student Financial Aid Portal beginning June 2021. Interested students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2021-2022 year, using their 2019 tax information.
How much money can I receive?
The Fast Track program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fee costs are fully covered. Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fee costs not covered by other state and federal student aid programs. For individuals for which other aid covers the full tuition and fee costs, students are eligible for an award of up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.
For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.