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Community College GAP Program

Gap Assistance Program

What is Gap?

The Gap assistance program is designed to bridge the funding gap for individuals who meet program and income guidelines. Gap provides need-based tuition assistance for approved short-term credit and non-credit training programs that are in high-need fields and not eligible for federal financial aid. Gap assistance may be right for you if you are un- or underemployed or are looking to up-skill to achieve career advancement.

You may be eligible for partial or total assistance for tuition, books, fees, and equipment.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Gap assistance program you must:
  1. Be a Nebraska resident for at least 6 months
  2. Be a US Citizen or legal resident
  3. Have a family income at or below 250% of the federal income poverty guidelines
  4. Have the ability to obtain and maintain full-time employment
  5. Have the ability to be accepted into and complete the desired program of study
  6. Not currently receiving funding for education from any other source or organization

2024 GAP Income Guidelines – add $5,140 for each additional person in household
Household/Family Size Approx. Hourly Wage Monthly Earning Annual Earning
1 $18.10 $3,137.50 $37,650
2 $24.56 $4,258.32 $51,100
3 $31.06 $5,385.41 $64,625
4 $37.50 $6,500.00 $78,000
5 $43.96 $7,620.83 $91,450
6 $50.43 $8,741.66 $104,900
7 $56.89 $9,862.50 $118,350
8 $63.36 $10,983.33 $131,800

*Based on 40 hrs./wk., 52 weeks, total combined wage   
**Add $5,140 for each additional person in the household
 

Programs Available

GAP-Approved-Training-Program-List.pdf

How do I apply?

  1. Research and select your desired program.
  2. Sign up to attend and attend a Workforce Information Session.
  3. Schedule to take and complete the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) assessment. To find more information about the NCRC, click here.
  4. Complete your GAP application and send it to gap@mccneb.edu
  5. Collect the required verification documents that need to be provided during your interview:
    1. State-issued photo ID or Driver’s License
    2. Most recent paycheck stubs for self and spouse, if applicable
    3. Verification of other sources of income
    4. Most recent years’ tax return
    5. Green card, if applicable
    6. Resume, if available
    7. Complete intake with Career Skills Coach

What are the requirements for participating?

  1. By applying for and accepting Gap funding you are agreeing to:
  2. Maintain regular contact with instructors, career coaches, and program staff.
  3. Sign any necessary releases to provide relevant information to college staff, if applicable.
  4. Discuss with college staff any issues that may affect your ability to complete the program and obtain or maintain full-time employment.
  5. Attend all courses regularly, if you will be absent communicate with college staff and make arrangements to complete work outside of class time.
  6. Meet with college staff to develop a job search plan.
  7. Complete surveying when requested by college staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am enrolled in a credit program at MCC and receive financial aid, can I also be eligible for GAP funding to enroll in a GAP program?

In order to be eligible for Gap funding, an applicant cannot have any other source of funding available, public or private.

I am enrolled in a credit program at another college and receive the Pell grant for that program, am I able to enroll in a program at MCC and use GAP funding?

No, if you are currently receiving funding for education from any other source or organization you are not eligible for Gap funding. This includes any scholarships, or federal or state grants you might be awarded for completing your FASFA.

I am a DACA individual, am I eligible for GAP funding?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students are not eligible for the Gap program as deferred action does not provide lawful status which is a requirement for public benefits.

Can I use GAP assistance for a program that is not on the eligible program list?

Gap assistance funds can only be utilized for approved programs that are on the eligible program list.

I am 16 years old, am I eligible for GAP funding?

To be eligible for Gap funding you must be able to be employed full-time upon completion of the program.

I do not have my high school diploma or GED yet, am I eligible for GAP funding?

To be eligible for Gap funding you do need to have a high school diploma or GED, if you are interested in learning more about Metropolitan Community Colleges Adult Education programs you can visit this .

Contact Us

For more information on eligibility for assistance or to pre-qualify for funding, please contact the GAP manager.

gap@mccneb.edu 531-MCC-2832