In July 2018, Governor Cooper announced a new program, Finish Line Grants. The Finish Line Grant Program was established to assist community college students in completing their education when faced with unforeseen financial hurdles. The Region Q Workforce Development Board in partnership with Beaufort County Community College, Martin Community College, Pitt Community College, and Roanoke-Chowan Community College applied and was awarded Finish Line Grants. The Region Q Workforce Development Board requested $100,000 with Beaufort County Community College receiving $25,000; Martin Community College receiving $20,000; Pitt Community College receiving $35,000; and Roanoke-Chowan Community College receiving $20,000.
Students can request up to $1,000 per semester to help offset financial hurdles. To be eligible, students must have completed 75% of their degree, diploma, certificate or eligible Continuing Education program. Additional criteria can be found on the application. Allowable expenses are transportation, car repairs, child care, dependent care, housing, utility bills, medical referrals, accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and assistance with books and supplies. The purpose of the grants are to provide the financial support needed to allow the student to complete their education versus having to drop their classes.
With the impact of Hurricane Florence still lingering in our communities, we feel sure many students will benefit from these grant funds. Students can receive an application packet from their local NCWorks Career Center or their Community College. Once completed, the application and all supporting documentation must be returned to your local NCWorks Career Center for processing.
If you have any questions, please contact the individuals below:
Beaufort County WIOA Career Advisor: Kimberly Laws, 252-940-0900
Bertie County WIOA Career Advisor: Kevia Griffin, 252-794-0799
Hertford County WIOA Career Advisor: Michelle Sandusky, 252-862-1257
Martin County WIOA Career Advisor: Lillian Reaves, 252-792-7816
Pitt County WIOA Career Advisor: Andy Battle, 252-355-9067
Ross Innovative Employment Solutions, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program Operator for Region Q, will administer the program in all five counties, which includes all four Community Colleges in our Region. Students should apply in the county in which they reside. If you attend a College outside of our Region or live outside the Region and attend one of the Community Colleges in our Region, we still may be able to assist you. Visit your local Career Center to inquire before completing your application packet.
An added bonus – the Career Advisors will provide case management for each student receiving a Finish Line Grant. Case management could include but is not limited to job search, resume writing, interview prep, career exploration, and job placement services.
We are excited to bring the Finish Line Grant Program to our Region and look forward to assisting students to … cross that Finish Line!
Related documents:
Finish Line Grant Allowable Expenditures
Finish Line Grant Application and Checklist
OCT
2018