Between the spring and fall of 2022, Ozarks Technical Community College more than doubled the number of students receiving the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. Fast Track pays the tuition and fees for non-traditional students pursuing programs such as welding, nursing and teaching.
In the fall of 2022, OTC had 111 students receiving Fast Track funds, a significant increase from the 51 the college had in the spring of 2022. More than half of OTC’s Fast Track recipients pursued healthcare-related education.
Fast Track originally debuted in 2019 to help non-traditional students afford higher education, but the financial assistance was a forgivable loan, and few students enrolled in the 
program. Over the summer of 2022, the governor signed legislation that removed the loan component from the program, and the financial aid is now an actual grant. In addition, with the new legislation, short-term training programs and apprenticeships became eligible for Fast Track funding.
“Fast Track is an excellent opportunity for students who otherwise could not afford college,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC chancellor. “As employers seek a skilled workforce, Fast Track is a tool they can use to educate new hires and provide training opportunities for their current employees.”
To be eligible for Fast Track, a student must meet the residency, income threshold and educational attainment parameters. Students must be at least 25 years old or, if younger than 25, have not attended high school or college for at least two years. Apprentices younger than 25 must not have been enrolled in any postsecondary program for two years unless it relates to their apprenticeship. Applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additionally, students and apprentices must enroll in one of the Fast Track eligible programs. OTC offers more than 80 Fast Track eligible degrees and certificates and short-term training opportunities.
Students interested in the state’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant can email fasttrack@otc.edu for more information.