Missouri’s FAST TRACK Financial Aid Provides a Bridge for Adults Pursuing Careers in Critical Fields

Published: 09/05/2019

St. Charles Community College (SCC) now offers Fast Track, Missouri’s new financial aid program for adult students pursuing a certificate, Associates’ degree or industry-recognized credential.

The program marks a promise by Gov. Mike Parson to make workforce development a priority in his administration and the Missouri Legislature has budgeted $10 million for the program. 

The program is designed specifically to target critical, growing economic sectors in Missouri like technology, agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare. Eligible programs offered at SCC range from a general technology Associate of Science degree, nursing and manufacturing technology degrees and certificates in welding and web development (see a full list here).

Key requirements for eligibility include: adults 25 years of age and older and who have a maximum household adjusted gross income of $80,000 per year if filing taxes jointly or $40,000 annually for a single income household. The grant will serve students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and are planning to enroll part-time or full-time.

Students who awarded the grant must apply for federal financial aid; the grant is designed to cover any remaining tuition and fees or supplement their aid with up to $500 if already fully covered. Those who receive a grant must work in Missouri for three calendar years or else the grant will convert to an interest-bearing loan the student will have to repay.

“SCC is proud to accept Missouri Fast Track financial aid for eligible students,”said Dave Leenhouts, SCC vice president for student services. “This new funding will help adults accelerate their existing careers or switch to new fields. By expanding on existing federal aid programs, Missouri and SCC are working to bridge the costs of education in critical workforce development areas in the region and the state.”

Learn more about SCC and Missouri Fast Track by emailing FastTrack@stchas.edu or visiting https://www.stchas.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-aid/fast-track.