One of the biggest concerns for high school seniors and working adults that want to pursue higher education is the cost. However, if you’re interested in joining a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program at South Denver School of Nursing Arts, you’ll be happy to learn that funding may be available to help you pay for courses. 

The state of Colorado wants to help people that are coping with hardships to create a brighter future. This is accomplished with the services provided by Workforce Centers throughout the state. So what is Colorado Workforce and how can it help you pay for your CNA program? Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Colorado Workforce?

Colorado Workforce Centers, managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, are located throughout the state. Their function is to help people that are seeking new career opportunities. 

Workforce Centers offer free services like job listings, career counseling and — most importantly for students — federally-funded programs that are designed to help prepare people for employment and/or an increase in earning potential. 

This is accomplished with funding provided by the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), which supports short-term training programs that feed directly into in-demand jobs in the local labor market. Students interested in CNA programs from SDSNA may be eligible for such funding to help pay for their courses. 

Types of Funding

Workforce Center funding is available to people who meet the criteria for hardship, with both youth (18-25) and adult (25 and up) programs. Some youth programs are open to applicants age 16-24 who aren’t currently enrolled in school, although they may be limited to specific groups or hardships, including:

  • People who have an active IEP (Identified Learning Disability)
  • Youth offenders
  • Pregnant
  • Single Parent
  • Foster children
  • Homeless/runaways
  • People with basic skill deficiencies
  • Youth that needs assistance
  • Low-income students
  • Public Assistance
  • Unemployed
  • Underemployed
  • Dislocated Worker
  • Directly Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

If you’re not sure if you qualify, it’s best to contact a Workforce Center to find out whether you’re eligible and how you can apply. For most WIOA funding, you can apply through any Workforce Center in the state. 

Within the WIOA, there are options like the “Dislocated Worker” program, which are specifically aimed at people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Furthermore, people that have been directly affected by COVID-19 can apply for funding through the Colorado CARES Act, although they will have to apply through their county of residence. 

Affordable Tuition for Students Experiencing Hardship

How much assistance can you get through Workforce Center funding? If you qualify, tuition for your CNA program through SDSNA could be covered up to 100%. With that said, you have to complete the enrollment process in time. 

It can take up to two weeks to qualify for funding, so make sure to complete your enrollment before you register for your courses and begin training. 

Start Your CNA Career with Tuition Assistance

The best investment you can make in your future is to invest in yourself, and the CNA programs at SDSNA give you the opportunity to enter a growing field that offers incredibly rewarding careers. 

With funding from a Colorado Workforce Center, students facing hardships can secure the funding that they need to further their education and become eligible for various job opportunities. 

The nearest Workforce Center is the Arapahoe/Douglas (AD) Works, but most applicants can apply at any center in the state. You can find a map of Colorado Workforce Center locations here. Become your own advocate by starting your research today, and don’t forget to tell them that SDSNA sent you!

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