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A statewide awareness campaign, “Time for a New YOU,” launched for the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund that is available for eligible North Carolina community college students.

GEER provides $15 million in tuition assistance to students enrolled in short-term workforce training programs in one of North Carolina’s “Great 58” community colleges.

The short-term programs supported by the scholarship are in high-demand fields that will lead to a state or industry-recognized credential. Ten high-demand areas have been identified and are automotive, construction, emergency medical services, healthcare, information technology, aircraft maintenance, criminal justice, fire and rescue services, industrial/manufacturing and transportation.

“Our community colleges are strengthening North Carolina’s position in the global marketplace, and we will lead the state’s economic recovery,” said Thomas A. Stith III, president of the N.C. Community College System. “Our community colleges provide affordable and accessible education opportunities and produce graduates who are highly competitive candidates for hire.”

The scholarship awards up to $750, or the cost of the program – whichever is more – and can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, childcare, and other costs of attendance. Eligible students must be a N.C. resident and currently enrolled in an eligible continuing education program or course for a minimum of 96 hours.

“This is a great opportunity for individuals to quickly obtain credentials for a new job with stability and upward mobility,” said Jeff Parsons, vice president of Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer at Stanly Community College. “Students are able to build real skills in high-demand fields and start earning a paycheck in just weeks. We encourage individuals to contact us to learn how they can obtain a credential at little or no cost to them.”

Stanly Community College is using the GEER scholarships for the following programs: Carolina Auction Academy, General Instructor Training for Law Enforcement, Electrical Lineworker, EMS Basic, Phlebotomy, Nursing Assistant I and Nursing Assistant II, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA, RedHat Certified Administrator, Fire and Rescue Services, and the Manicuring program.

Get started by completing the GEER application available on the SCC Financial Aid scholarship web page at www.stanly.edu/future-students/financial-aid/scholarships. For questions, contact Melissa Preslar, financial aid associate, at 704-991-0115 or mpreslar5418@stanly.edu. For more information about the statewide campaign, visit TimeForANewYou.org.