Gov. Mike Parson stopped by the OTC Springfield Campus today to discuss a new financial aid program offered by the state.
The program, called the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, will pay college tuition and fees for any Missourian who is 25 years of age or older. Students younger than 25 are also eligible for Fast Track as long as they have not been enrolled in any education program in the previous two years.
“Fast Track makes higher education institutions like OTC even more accessible to Missourians,” Gov. Parson said. “It ensures students have the opportunity to gather the necessary education and training needed to fill high-demand jobs across the state.”
Besides the age requirements for Fast Track, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Missouri resident
- Meet the income requirements: Household income of $80,000 or less for a family, $40,000 or less for an individual
- Complete a Fast Track application
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Avoid circumstances that would prevent a student from receiving federal student aid, such as defaulting on a federal loan
- Enroll in an eligible, high-need college program as determined by the state
The Missouri Department of Higher Education selected which college programs are eligible for Fast Track funding. Gov. Parson toured several of OTC’s eligible Fast Track programs during his visit, including dental hygiene, surgical technology and emergency medical services.
While on campus, OTC Chancellor Hal Higdon thanked Gov. Parson for his longtime support of higher education.
“Our governor understands that education and workforce training foster economic development,” Dr. Higdon said. “The state’s new Fast Track program is a win-win for all involved – families will thrive, businesses will grow and the economy will flourish.”
The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is another step in Missouri’s Big Goal for Higher Education, which is to have 60 percent of the state’s working-age adults earn a degree or certificate by 2025.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant should contact the OTC Financial Aid Department at (417) 447-6999 or email fasttrack@otc.edu.