Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student
Grant Program
The goal of the Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant
Program is to encourage and enable West Virginia students that
demonstrate financial need to continue their education on a
part-time basis at the post-secondary level.
Awards
For students enrolled at a public college or university, the
maximum grant is based on the actual per credit hour tuition and
required fees charged. For students enrolled at other eligible
institutions, the award is based upon the average per credit hour
tuition and required fees charged by public undergraduate
institutions of higher education. Total aid, including a HEAPS
award, may not exceed the recipient's total cost of education.
Eligible Institutions/Programs
A community college, a state college or university or an
independent college or university in West Virginia.
Award Criteria
Recipients are selected each year by institutions based on the
student's eligibility and the availability of funds.
Eligibility Requirements
- A West Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior date of
application
- Citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Demonstrate financial need
- Not be in default on a higher education loan
- Not incarcerated in a correctional facility
- Comply with the Military Selective Service Act
Renewals
HEAPS grants can be renewed until the program of study is
completed but cannot exceed an additional nine years beyond the
first year of the award. Renewal consideration will be based on
meeting satisfactory academic progress, filing the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrating financial need and
completing an institutional application.
Applications
Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) and contact their institution for further
requirements.
Participating Institutions
To determine if an institution participates in HEAPS, please
contact the institution's financial aid office.
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student
Grant Program (workforce development component)
The component is awarded to students that demonstrate financial
need, enroll in a post-secondary certificate, industry recognized
credential, or other skill development program in a demand
occupation in West Virginia.
Awards
Students demonstrating financial need who are enrolled in an
approved program may receive the cost of the program up to $2,000.
Students enrolled in multiple approved programs for a single
academic year can receive a cumulative maximum of $2,000 for all
programs.
Eligible Institutions/Programs
Eligible programs for funding reimbursement are non-credit skill
upgrade programs that complement West Virginia Development Office
initiatives for targeted industries or targeted employers, promote
job creation or retention, or assist in developing skills for new
economy jobs or high performance workplaces. The West Virginia
Council for Community and Technical College Education, with input
from the West Virginia Development Office, annually set
programmatic funding priorities.
Participating Institutions
To determine if an institution participates in HEAPS Workforce
Development, please contact the institution's financial aid
office.
Eligibility Requirements
- A West Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior to date
of application
- A citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Submit the HEAPS Workforce Development application
- Have a high school diploma, GED or be pursuing the GED
- Not be in default on a higher education loan
- Not incarcerated in a correctional facility
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in post-secondary
certificate, industry recognized credential or other skill
development programs of study
- Demonstrate financial need
Award Criteria
Recipients will be selected each year based on the applicant's
eligibility and the availability of funds.
Renewals
Because this grant is specifically targeted for programs lasting
less than 12 months, students cannot be awarded the grant for the
same course more than once.
Applications
Applicants must submit the HEAPS Workforce Development
application, which is available at participating institutions.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning on July 1st.
However, funding is limited and awards are made on a first-come
first-serve basis. Institutions submit completed applications on
behalf of students and notify students of awards.
Program Contact Information
Financial Aid Program Staff
1018 Kanawha Blvd. East, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 558-4618 or 1 (877) 987-7664