Figure Out Your Eligibility
The first step is to see what kinds of free education grants you may be eligible for. Write down your demographics and get your documents together so you’re prepared to apply to whatever you find.
For example, you’ll want to have proof of your age and be authorized to work in the United States. If you’ve been recently laid off or lost a job because a location closed, save whatever forms human resources gave you. Or, if your family income is at or near the poverty line, collect your tax documents.
Search for Popular Grants
Next, check out some of the most popular federal grants to see if you can apply. These include the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Fund and apprenticeships funded by the federal government. If you serve in the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard, you also may be eligible for a grant-covered education for service members.
There are also other grants that you may be eligible for depending on where you live and what industry you wish to pursue. Healthcare and information technology are two of the fastest-growing and most needed careers in today’s marketplace. You can find grants for online remote learning for these paths.
Connect With a Case Manager
Personal research can only go so far for some federal grants, so the next step is to make an appointment at the American Job Center nearest to you. You can use the Career One Stop website to learn how to get a free education for adults, thanks to the U.S. Department of Labor.
You’ll be connected with a case manager who can help you navigate the process of gaining your education and leveling your life.
Find a Great Online School
Another connection you can make on your path to freedom is with an academic advisor with MedCerts, an accredited and leading online learning institution. Our advisors can be part of a support system that will help you complete the training and education you need to get hired and begin a new career fast.