Page 7 - HIWT Summer 2015 World of Welding

What Options Are Available To Fund My Education?

By Jennifer Parin

Great question! This is a frequent question that we hear in our previous work experience. You will need to check with your countys
offce. Funding your education is not as impossible as one might Department of Jobs and Family Services to see if you are eligible.
think. There are a variety of sources available. Individuals just Veterans and dependents or spouse of a veteran could utilize VA
need the tools and guidance to know where to begin. First, you will benefts, if available. Students who have 529 educational plans can
want to exhaust all opportunities for free money by applying for use these funds to help with education costs. Some students also
scholarships and grants. Scholarships are available through many help fund their education through part time jobs. FINANCIAL AID
local organizations and foundations. Specifc scholarships to HIWT
are available at The Troy Foundation. You can apply for the Pell The cost of attending school for a career that is as rewarding as
Grant by completing your FAFSA. welding is within reach. With the potential income that a welder
can make one should easily be debt free of the funding obtained
Next, explore options for federal student loans and alternative to attend school within fve years or less. Visit our website www.
loans. Federal student loans through the William D. Ford Federal welding.org Student Financial Aid / Scholarships to see all your
Student Loan program have lower interest rates and other benefts potential options.
not available with alternative loans, so these loans opportunities
should be exhausted before you consider alternative loans.
Alternative loans are an option to help cover the cost of attendance.

In some cases, students are able to obtain state and federal
assistance. These funds include Workforce Investment Act and
the Trade Adjustment Act that are available for students who have

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