In addition to traditional financial aid and scholarships, Odessa College has received over $4 million dollars to help students pay for tuition, fees and other expenses related to education. New, current and former students qualify for the opportunities below:
Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program
The Texas Reskilling Support Fund Grant Program is a $46.5 million fund established both to provide essential emergency educational support to students that have been most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and to aid in the continuation of their education and economic recovery. This program aims to support new and returning students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need to learn new skills or further develop current skills, in order to return to or enter the work force.
Eligible students can receive grant funding to cover their tuition and fees per semester (Spring, Summer and Fall 2022). The grant will only be applied toward the student’s tuition and required fees, after any state or institutional gift aid the student has received, but excluding any federal aid the student received. The grant may be up to $2,500, but not exceed $2,500, for any eligible student per semester. Awards of over $500 must be based on student financial need.
To be eligible, student must:
- Texas residents eligible for in-state tuition as determined by the institution;
- Have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
- Are eligible for federal Title IV aid. Students who are enrolled in short-term ineligible Title IV workforce credential programs but who are otherwise Title IV eligible may be included;
- Have affirmed they were affected by COVID-19;
- Be enrolled in an eligible academic degree program or short-term workforce credential program as described in this RFA on either a full time or part time basis; and
- Have NOT been enrolled in an accredited postsecondary institution in the previous academic (long) semester or previous six months (this includes dual credit).
Priority will be given to students who are pursuing degrees/certificates in high-growth and high-demand job areas as well as undergraduate students who are near the end of their degree plan. Students can use the grant for workforce training or for a college certificate or degree.
Eligible Workforce Training Programs:
•Electrical Lineman
•Law Enforcement Training Academy
•Construction Management
•Professional Driver Training
•Professional Office Skills
•HVAC-R Program
•Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
•Dental Assisting
•Medical Assistant
•Clinical Medical Laboratory Assistant
•Patient Care Technician
•Pharmacy Technician
•Phlebotomy Technician
Eligible College Certificate and Degree Programs:
•ExxonMobil BAAS Leadership and Management Entrepreneurship Degree Program
•Automation BAAS Degree Program
•ExxonMobil BAAS Leadership and Management Occupational Health and Safety Management Degree Program
•Automotive Technology
•Diesel Technology
•Teaching EC-6th
•Instrumentation & Electronics Technology
•Bookkeeping, Level 1 Certificate
•Office Administration Assistant, Level 1 Certificate
•Welding
•Computer User Specialist
•Business Leadership
•Business Administration
•Occupational Safety and Environmental Technology
•Criminal Justice
•Paramedic
•Fire/EMS
•LVN
•RN
•Law Enforcement Certificate Level 1
•Surgical Technology
Now is the time for you to come back to Odessa College and finish your degree in a high wage, high demand field. Complete the application to determine if you qualify for the Odessa College Reskilling Grant.
APPLY NOW: Odessa College Reskilling Grant
Texas Reskilling and Upskilling for Education (TRUE) Institutional Capacity Grant
The TRUE Grant Program is part of the $94.6 million fund established to accelerate the number of high value credential opportunities offered to students in the state of Texas. The program targets students in Odessa College's automation and construction management programs and is designed to assist with economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic and help create a future competitive workforce in Texas.
Students who enroll full- or part-time in Odessa College’s Automation Level 1 Certificate or Construction Management Level 1 Certificate may be eligible for up to $2,500 in tuition assistance and/or up to $500 for additional cost of attendance including textbooks and supplies.
To be eligible, students must:
- be a Texas resident;
- complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for Student Financial Aid (TASFA) (eligible students are not required to qualify for federal or state aid);
- enroll full or part-time in the Automation or Construction Management certificate program;
- have a valid Social Security Number;
- register with Selective Service (if the student is male); and
- complete application for the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling for Education (TRUE) Grant aid.
BEGIN or CONTINUE your short-term workforce credential program in the growing occupational fields of Automation and Construction Management today! Complete the application to determine if you qualify for the TRUE Grant Program.
Are you a NEW Odessa College student interested in learning more? Please contact recruitment@odessa.edu.
Are you a CURRENT Odessa College student interested in learning more? Please contact advising@odessa.edu.
APPLY NOW: TEXAS RESKILLING AND UPSKILLING FOR EDUCATION (TRUE) GRANT PROGRAM
If you qualify, a representative from the college will contact you to discuss registering for one of the programs. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact advising@odessa.edu.
The Ector County ISD To & Through Success Center
ECISD has a team dedicated to helping ECISD graduates and former students connect to college, career and military opportunities. These connections are designed to help graduates learn new skills or further develop current skills in order to maintain a family-sustaining wage.
Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WOIA provides assistance with tuition, books, fees, supplies and support to help you succeed at Odessa College. You may qualify if you are:
- Unemployed
- Receiving public assistance
- Earning low wages
- Laid off
- Receiving unemployment benefits
Documents needed to apply:
- Birth certificate
- Social security card
- Texas photo ID/driver’s license
For more information contact a WIOA Representative at 432-287-5200 (Option 5) TODAY!