Free and Subsidized Career Programs
Thanks in large part to grant-funding and community partnerships, CCAC is able to offer certain subsidized career programs for free or at very low cost. Check back regularly to see what specialized opportunities are available.
BioMaS Workforce Collaborative
Funded by a 5-year grant from the National Science Foundation, CCAC's BioMaS Workforce Collaborative is offering up to $6,160 per year for eligible Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students studying Biotechnology at CCAC or enrolled in one of the CCAC/IUP Collaborative Teacher Certifications programs.
The scholarship covers:
- tuition and fees for CCAC credit courses up to 65 credits
- up to $450 in fall and spring and up to $200 in summer for textbooks
- additional cost-of-attendance items on an as-needed basis
- a paid internship for Biotechnology majors
Certain scholarship requirements must be met in order to qualify. View the BioMaS program brochure for a complete list.
For more information on program requirements and learning supports, contact:
Caroline Evans, 412.237.2506
Sandra Bobick, 412.237.4474
Katherine Mosely-Turner, 412.237.4523
Stephanie Goloway, 412.237.2608
FireVEST: Training Tomorrow's Heroes
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the Allegheny County Fire Academy and
CCAC are working together to offer the Allegheny County Fire Volunteer Education,
Service & Training Scholarship Program (FireVEST) that provides full scholarships
for an associate’s degree or certificate program at CCAC, as well as training at the
Allegheny County Fire Academy in exchange for a five-year commitment of service to
a volunteer fire department in Allegheny County.
Applicants must join or be a current member in good standing of an eligible volunteer fire company, complete CCAC’s admissions process, including filing for financial aid and be accepted for enrollment into the college.
HRSA Grant Programs
The Community College of Allegheny County has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the
Health Resources and Services Administration for behavioral health workforce education
and training for professionals and paraprofessionals. Funded at $100,000 per year
for three years, the award will enable CCAC to provide 42 scholarships (including
tuition, fees and supplies) per year for students enrolled in the college s Drug and
Alcohol diploma and Social Work: Fundamentals of Social Work Foundation certificate
programs. In addition, the funding will help CCAC enhance the curriculum in order
to give students more hands-on time in the field which will lead to job-ready skill
sets for graduates. Space is limited; contact Christopher Robinson or 412.469.6229 for more information.
KEYS Program
KEYS is a PA Department of Human Services (DHS) program designed to help TANF and SNAP
recipients succeed in community college. The KEYS Program at CCAC serves students
at all nine CCAC campuses and centers and acts as a liaison for 9 Western Pennsylvania
Counties.
KEYS is for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance and some SNAP
recipients in Pennsylvania. TANF and SNAP recipients who are enrolled in credit bearing,
certificate or degree program, with a specific career plan at CCAC may be eligible
to participate in the KEYS Program.
KEYS helps you achieve your career goals by:
- Connecting the student to career counseling and academic support services
- Providing resources to tutoring, financial aid, and other services
- Providing supportive services
- Connecting the student to other community service agencies
- Acting as a liaison between the student and the CAO (County Assistance Office)
KEYS has been developed in response to growing research that shows that individuals who earn a credit-bearing certificate or an associate degree are better able to get jobs at family-sustaining wages with benefits and opportunities for advancement. In fact, statistics show that individuals who earn a credit-bearing certificate or associates degree earn 32-42% more money through employment after graduation!