GAP TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Short-Term, High-Demand Career Training
The Gap Tuition Assistance program provides needs-based tuition assistance for approved short-term continuing education training programs for in-demand occupations.
Since non-credit programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, the GAP Tuition Assistance program bridges the funding gap for individuals that meet program and income guidelines.
AGRICULTURE
Beef Technician
Grain Handler
Professional Applicator Certificate (Agronomy)
BUSINESS
Accounting Clerk
Administrative Office & Computer Specialist
Bookkeeper Certification
Digital & Social Media
Inventory Control Specialist
Payroll Specialist
Workplace Computing
ENERGY
Drone (UAV) Commercial Application & Operation
Electrical Maintenance
Tower Technician
HEALTH
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Medication Aide
INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING
Custodian - Maintenance
Industrial Maintenance Tech
Water Treatment
Welding
Students who qualify for GAP Tuition Assistance may be eligible for partial or total assistance with:
- Tuition
- Books
- Fees
- Equipment
Eligibility Criteria:
An applicant for tuition assistance under this chapter must have demonstrated capacity to achieve the following outcomes:
- The ability to complete an eligible certificate program.
- The ability to enter a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree program for credit.
- The ability to gain full-time employment over time.
The community college college receiving the application shall only approve an applicant for tuition assistance under this chapter if the community college determines the applicant has a strong likelihood of achieving the outcomes described in paragraph "a" after considering factors including but not limited to:
- Barriers that may prevent an applicant from completing the certificate program.
- Barriers that may prevent an applicant from gaining employment in an in-demand occupation.
Additional Provisions:
- Applicants may be found eligible for partial or total tuition assistance.
- The community college receiving the application may limit an applicant to one eligible certificate program or to eligible programs within on career pathway, based on the funding available to the community college to purposes of this program.
- An application shall be valid for six months from the date of signature on the application.
- Eligibility for tuition assistance under this chapter shall not be construed to guarantee enrollment in any community college certificate program.
Eligible Costs:
Costs of a certificate program eligible for coverage by tuition assistance shall include but are not limited to:
- Tuition
- Direct training costs and support services
- Required books and equipment
- Fees including but not limited to fees for industry testing services and background check testing services
- Costs of providing direct staff support services including but not limited to marketing, outreach, application, interview, and assessment processes. Eligible costs for this purpose shall be limited to twenty percent of any allocation of money's to the two smallest community colleges, ten percent to the two largest community colleges, and fifteen percent of any allocation of moneys to the remaining eleven community colleges. Community college size shall be determined based on the most recent three-year rolling average full-time equivalent enrollment.
Eligible Certificate Programs:
The program is either non-credit or short-term credit that is ineligible for the federal Pell grant program, not offered for credit, but is aligned with a certificate, diploma, or degree for credit, and does any of the following:
- Offers a state, national, or locally recognized certificate
- Offers preparation for a professional examination or licensure
- Provides endorsement for an existing credential or license
- Represents recognized skill standards defined by an industrial sector
- Offers a similar credential or training
The program offers training or a credential in an in-demand occupation. For the purposes of this chapter, "in-demand occupation" includes occupations in the following industries:
- Information technology
- Healthcare
- Advanced manufacturing
- Transportation and logistics
The GAP Tuition Assistance program provides support and services to applicants to assist with achieving career goals.
Check out the additional resources below:
- Assistance with Admission, financial aid referrals, and registration for classes.
- Guidance developing academic and career plans.
- Establishing connections to college resources.
- Identifying and resolving obstacles that may prevent success.
- Provide support through the enrollment journey from achieving certification to employment.
- And more!
Questions?
![]() |
Grant Buscherfeld Career & Transition Coordinator 712-852-5203 | gbuscherfeld@iowalakes.educreate new email Emmetsburg Campus |
![]() |
Melissa Haukap Director of Career & Community Programs 712-852-5206 | mhaukap@iowalakes.educreate new email Emmetsburg Campus |