CFCC Receives $327,247 from Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund to Award Scholarships for Multiple Programs

Cape Fear Community College recently received $327,247 from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to expand educational opportunities and workforce development programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the GEER Fund, the U.S. Department of Education awards grants to governors for the purpose of providing local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other education-related entities with emergency assistance for issues resulting from COVID-19.

The fund provides scholarships to eligible community college students pursuing high-demand workforce training programs that lead to a state or industry-recognized credential within ten different pathways.

“The scholarship opportunities this critical funding provides will help our students obtain the skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families, and our state’s workforce,” said CFCC Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development John Downing.

Eligible students applying for this scholarship must be:

• A resident of North Carolina
• Enrolled in a qualifying workforce/continuing education program leading to a state or industry-recognized credential (96 hours or more) in one of the following ten areas:
  Automotive, Aircraft Maintenance, Construction, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Services, Healthcare, Industrial/Manufacturing, Information Technology, Transportation, and Fire and Rescue Services.

“Cape Fear Community College offers several short-term programs that are eligible for GEER funding. This is an incredible opportunity for students to obtain job training that will help them excel in a rewarding career – locally,” said CFCC President Jim Morton. We are so pleased to be able to participate in this initiative and help our students achieve their goals.”

Scholarships will be awarded based on student need; local industry needs; the number of eligible students; and the cost of course, up to a maximum of either $750 per course or the cost of course fee(s) if it exceeds $750.

Funds can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, childcare, and other and other components of the total cost of attendance for August 24, 2020, through September 30, 2022.

For more information regarding the GEER Fund, contact CFCC’s Economic and Workforce Development department at 910-362-7386 .