GENERAL DEFINITIONS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Veterans Educational Benefits:  
The Bureau of State Approving Agency for Veterans Training has approved many of the certificate training programs offered at the four Tech Centers.  See the Veterans Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office.

Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation: 
The Bureau of State Approving Agency for Veterans will direct the Veterans with disabilities to Vocational Rehabilitation for assistance in attending training programs. (www.vba.va.gov)  

Federal Pell Grant:  
Federal Pell Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE).  Must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to apply online or go to the Financial Aid Office for a paper application (limited paper applications).

Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program:  
State funded program for certificate seeking students. Must demonstrate need (complete a FAFSA) and meet OCPS criteria for eligibility.

Florida Work Experience Program:
State funded program for certificate seeking students.  Must demonstrate need (complete a FAFSA) and meet OCPS criteria for eligibility.

Student Financial Assistance Fund (SFAF):
State Scholarship funded from program tuition fees. Must demonstrate need (complete the FAFSA) and meet certain OCPS criteria for eligibility.

Florida Bright Future  Scholarships (Academic, Medallion and Gold Seal Vocational):
 State scholarships that may be available for graduating seniors.  To learn about each of these scholarships go to: http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org

Tech Center School Scholarships:
See one of the four Tech Centers Financial Aid Offices for more details.

Tech Prep Merit Waiver:
Shared Enrollment and Performance-Based Exit Option students who excel in a technical program during high school and are recommended by the program instructor to complete the technical training program as an adult student.

Workforce Central Florida:
Provide locally planned job training and placement services for individuals who are unemployed or underemployed.  Must meet with the Workforce Central Florida Counselor to determine eligibility. (www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com)

Vocational Rehabilitation:
Provides assistance for individuals who have disabilities that prevent employment.  The Vocational Rehabilitation Agency determines eligibility. (www.rehabworks.org)  

Installment Contract:
A contract between the student and the Business Office. Tuition and lab fees are paid in increments according to the Business Office.  Must demonstrate need (complete a FAFSA).

Florida Pre Paid College Fund:
These funds are derived from contributions paid by the students’ parent.  Present the Florida Pre Paid College Fund I.D. card to the Business Office.  (www.myfloridaprepaid.com)

Third Party Agencies:  
Agencies and/or employers help pay the educational expenses of a student (must present a letter to Business Office).  After the student has registered, the sponsor is billed for those expenses that are eligible.  

AmeriCorps:
Please visit www.americorps.gov for more information.  Submit award letter to Business and Financial Aid Offices.

Bureau of Indian Affairs:
Please visit www.indianaffairs.gov for more information.  Submit award letter to Business and Financial Aid Offices.

Farmworkers Program:
Please visit www.westside.ocps.net for more information.  Submit award letter to Business and Financial Aid Offices.

PALMAS:
Project Acquiring Language Mastery and Advanced Skills.  This is a Refugee Program that provides educational services to documented refugees and asylees.  Contact the PALMAS office at Mid Florida Tech.

LIFE STRIDES: 
The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Inc.  Education and Employment Training Program.  Tuition and lab fees are waived.  (www.centralfloridahomeless.org)   

Tech Center Emergency Funds:
See one of the four Tech Centers Student Services, Student Affairs or Admissions offices for more details.