Home » Business and Community » GAP Assistance Program

GAP Assistance Program

The Community College Gap Assistance Program aims to address this looming shortage by offering financial aid to community college students enrolled in credit or non-credit programs that are not eligible for Pell grants that could lead to jobs in high-need fields. These are low-income students who would not be eligible for federal financial aid because, although they’re enrolled in college, they are not enrolled in programs for credit that lead directly to a degree.

Legislation specifies in-demand occupations as:

  • Financial services
  • Transportation, warehousing, and distribution logistics
  • Precision metals manufacturing
  • Biosciences
  • Renewable energy
  • Agriculture and food processing
  • Business management and administrative services
  • Software and computer services
  • Research, development, and engineering services
  • Health services
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Construction
  • Education

Eligibility

The Gap Assistance program provides financial support for eligible participants. You may receive full or partial assistance with your direct training costs, including tuition, books, required fees, and equipment.

To qualify for GAP Assistance, applicants must:

  1. Be A Nebraska resident
  2. Be a citizen of the United States
  3. Have a family income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines based on persons in family/household and income

Expenses Covered

Low-income students who comply with financial requirements will receive grants that will pay for expenses directly related to the assessment, training, and testing associated with GAP eligible and approved programs.

The following are examples of expenses covered:

  • Full/Partial Tuition
  • Required Books/Equipment
  • Industry Testing Fees - certification exam

Steps to Apply

  1. Complete the GAP Application
  2. Provide a copy of your most recent 1040 tax document. If you are married, this should be a joint form. If it is not a joint form a 1040 tax document for both applicant and spouse are required.
  3. Provide a copy of most recent pay stub(s). If married, include copy(s) of pay stubs for your spouse.
  4. Mail paperwork to:

Mid-Plains Community College
Attn: Sharon Kircher
1205 East 3rd Street
McCook, NE 69001

Program Requirements

The following are program requirements for all GAP programs. Depending on the program you enroll in, there may be additional requirements.

  • Maintain regular contact with the instructor of your program throughout the course
  • Sign necessary releases to provide relevant information to college faculty
  • Attend all class sessions
  • Complete surveys when requested by Mid-Plains Community College

For More Information:

Sharon Kircher, MPCC GAP Coordinator
kirchers@mpcc.edu
308-344-8602

For more information on the Community College Gap Assistance Program visit: ccpe.nebraska.gov/gap