Jan. 20, 2021 – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has awarded a North Texas consortium $1,287,500 as part of the first round of awards under the Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program. The consortium is led by Collin College and also includes North Central Texas College, Texas A&M Commerce, Texas Woman’s University, the University of North Texas, and The University of Texas at Dallas.
Free tuition and fees to finish credentials in 2021
Known as “Project Complete,” the funding will assist students in finishing the next step of their educational goals in 2021. The awards will be offered as grants to qualified students who can complete their credentials during the year.
“It is an honor to lead this consortium and to work with these exceptional higher education institutions to assist students throughout North Texas,” said Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin. “The grant will provide much needed financial assistance, prepare those who have lost their jobs to re-enter the workforce, and assist students in completing credentials which can accelerate future opportunities.”
The THECB awarded a total of $18.1 million to 40 applicants, representing 49 institutions, which were selected through a competitive process. Funding was part of the $175 million allocation to THECB from the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) Fund.
According to Commissioner of Higher Education Harrison Keller, these strategic investments, supported by Governor Abbott and the Texas legislative leadership, will play a significant role in supporting Texas students and driving the recovery of the Texas economy.
“We can help students who have previously stopped out of higher education without completing a postsecondary credential as well as help displaced Texas workers who need to reskill and upskill and complete a higher education credential so they can rejoin the workforce and get back on their feet,” said Keller. “Our Texas institutions are making significant commitments to create programs that keep more students on track to enter the workforce with the high-value credentials and education that tomorrow’s economy will demand.”
Do you qualify for the grant?
To be eligible for awards, students must be Texas residents, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, must have been impacted by COVID-19, and have a plan to complete credentials in 2021. Also, recipients must not have enrolled in college anywhere during Fall 2020.
To see if you qualify for the grant, visit www.projectcompletetexas.com to start the process at any of the six Project Complete North Texas partner institutions.