Marietta, OH – In a time of rising costs, it’s good news to know that help is out there. Wendy Ketelsen, financial aid coordinator at the Washington County Career Center, Adult Technical Training, recently told us, “There is no better time than now, to receive assistance with tuition costs.” Ketelsen is always on-hand to meet with prospective and returning students to review the variety of scholarship and grant options available. She added, “I truly believe people do not realize how many scholarship opportunities are available.” When talking with students Ketelsen reviews all financial aid options, including the scholarships the school offers, as well as the PELL Grant, and the WIOA (Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act) Grant. The WIOA grant is available through both the Ohio Means Jobs and the WorkForce West Virginia job centers. She added, “We also discuss other possibilities, such as employer aid, as many employers will provide assistance for their employees to upgrade their job skills. Church and civic organizations also offer scholarships and the local community foundations.”
Mason Flinn recently completed the CDL truck driving training and obtained his Class A CDL. The school was able to provide Mason with scholarships to pay for training. “Having the scholarship took a huge weight off my shoulders; I was laid off and already worried about how I would pay my bills.” He said, “I now am trained for the most in-demand career in the United States and feel secure in my future.”
Ketelsen added, “Paying for education is an investment in your future and your family’s future, and the school is here to help. An added bonus is that all the training offered at the school is for in-demand careers right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.”
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic program graduate Joey Rogers utilized a scholarship that paid 100% of his training costs. “The scholarship was life-changing. It allowed me to attend school and be trained for an in-demand career field without worrying about how I was going to pay for it.” He added, “I am now employed in a full-time position with benefits and would tell anyone that all you have to do is ask. The staff at the school is right beside you every step of the way, and they want to see you succeed.”
Lori Smith, Recruiting and Marketing Specialist, added that many families don’t realize scholarship money is available and advises family members to just ask. No matter your educational path, each school's financial aid office is available to assist you. She said, “It is disheartening to hear a prospective student say that they can’t afford post-secondary education.” She added, “They have heard the horror stories of student loan debt and don’t want to go that route.” Ketelsen agreed, “In addition to scholarships and grants, The Career Center also offers interest-free payment plans that are spread out over the duration of your training; we pride ourselves on the fact that graduates leave us debt free!”
If you want to know more about the scholarships available, visit www.mycareerschool.com or call 1.800.648.3695.