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July 15, 2016

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Do you need a job? How about a better job? Would training help you get there?

If so, Johnson County Community College’s Continuing Education Scholarship Fund might open a door for you.

This year, thanks to an anonymous donor and the JCCC Foundation, JCCC has $50,000 to parcel out in the form of scholarships for students who complete certain certificate programs in Continuing Education. More than two dozen programs are eligible for the scholarship, including Web Designer Certificate, Commercial Driving Training and Pharmacy Technician.

“Even though the unemployment rate has gone down, we know there are still people out there who need a job,” said Debbie Rulo, director of JCCC’s Continuing Education department. “And the jobs are there. There are lots of jobs.”

Companies, including Amazon, are opening at the growing Logistics Park Kansas City (LPKC) in Edgerton, a 1,500-acre master planned distribution and warehouse development. Some of the certificate programs are taught on the JCCC campus in Overland Park; others are offered at the Learning & Career Center at LPKC. JCCC runs the learning center with private industry and community and workforce partners.

The certificate programs linked to the scholarship are in areas where jobs are available. The jobs pay a wide swath, from a beginning wage to a professional salary.

Some students in the commercial driving program are receiving job offers before their training is finished, Rulo said. “There is such a need for truck drivers right now.”

Until two years ago, JCCC did not have any scholarships that supported programs in Continuing Education. At that point, Rulo and other leaders in Continuing Education asked the JCCC Foundation if money might be available to help support those students. The Foundation provided $25,000 for the first year, beginning July 1, 2014, and another $25,000 for the second year. About two dozen students have benefited so far. The amount of the scholarship varies, depending on the financial need and the price of their program.

With the addition of the matching donor gift this year, the college decided to begin advertising the Continuing Education Scholarship Fund. Details are available at www.jccc.edu/CEScholarship. Continuing Education leaders are ready to award scholarships now.

The scholarship is open to anyone who is unemployed or under-employed or dislocated. All applicants must show that they are in need of financial assistance.

Applying is relatively simple.

  • Choose one of the eligible certificate programs or a program that leads to a license. Programs are available in the following areas: computer applications and information technology, supply chain and transportation, human resource management, professional education and business development, technical trades and health and human services.
  • Find out if you qualify for the financial assistance. There are two ways to do that. The first is to visit your local area Kansas Workforce Partnership or the Full Employment Council in Kansas City, Missouri. They will help you make that calculation.
  • The second way is to fill out the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The JCCC federal school code is 008244. In three to five days, you should receive an e-mail with your Student Aid Report. The report will let you know if you are eligible.
  • If you are eligible, fill out the JCCC CE Scholarship application form. Attach either the Student Aid Report or your confirmation letter from the Workshop Partnership office or the Full Employment Council.
  • If you want, you may include a resume and a reference letter from a former employer. Please send your application materials to Debbie Rulo – Box 34, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210-1299 or e-mail it to drulo@jccc.edu.

A college committee reviews applications routinely and the awards process is fairly quick.

If you need help with the application process, you may contact the JCCC Student Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center on the Overland Park campus.

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