Skip to main content
Navigate to Homepage Mobile Menu

Community College GAP Program

WHAT IS THE GAP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

The Community College Gap assistance program provides need-based tuition assistance for approved short-term credit and non-credit training programs that are in high-need fields. Gap assistance may be right for you if you are un- or underemployed or are looking to up-skill to achieve career advancement.

Since non-credit programs are not eligible for federal financial aid, Gap assistance is designed to bridge the funding gap for individuals that meet program and income guidelines. The Gap-eligible credit programs are at or below 23.5 credit hours and are ineligible for federal financial aid.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

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.

2023 Gap Income Guidelines – add $5,140 for each additional person in household
Household/Family Size Approx. Hourly Wage Monthly Earning Annual Earning
1 $17.52 $3,037.50 $36,450
2 $23.70 $4,108.34 $49,300
3 $29.87 $5,179.16 $62,150
4 $36.05 $6,250.00 $75,000
5 $42.23 $7,320.83 $87,850
6 $48.41 $8,391.66 $100,700
7 $54.59 $9,462.50 $113,550
8 $60.76 $10,533.33 $126,400
*Based on 40 hrs./wk., 52 weeks, total combined wage

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE APPROVED FOR GAP FUNDS?

NON-CREDIT PROGRAMS

  • Associate Project Manager
  • Associate Project + Quality Manager - This is a combination of the Associate Project Manager and Lean Six Sigma (Quality Improvement Manager) programs.
  • Automotive Express Lane Technician - Participants will be able to perform: Oil and filter changes, wiper blades replacements, fluid level top-offs, air filter replacements, battery tests and replacements, tire rotation w/brake inspections, tire repair, and replacements, replace exterior bulbs, multi-point checkups, transmission fluid services, differential fluid services, cabin filter replacements, alignment checks, and other light mechanical work. Upon successful completion of the Automotive Express Lane Technician Certificate program, students will be able to obtain employment at dealerships and independent shops, performing express lane automotive services
  • CDL A With E Restrictions CPP - This program prepares participants for employment driving automatic transmission trucks. Students will earn work-ready certificates as well as their Nebraska CDL Permit and CDL A With E Restrictions. All participants must have the ability to pass their Department of Transportation medical exam and drug screen. 
  • Code School CPP
  • Facilities Maintenance - This training program provides the skills needed to perform a variety of duties in one or more of the building trades, such as minor electrical, plumbing, or other recognized crafts for the purpose to maintain, repair or remodel buildings and facilities. Minor HVAC and other mechanical systems are included. Upon successful completion of this program, students are prepared for employment in entry-level positions such as Building Maintenance Technician, Apartment Facilities Technician, Property Maintenance Technician, and Maintenance Technicians.
  • Fiber Optics Technician
  • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic - This course is designed to train the underlying principles and terminology required in order to be hired as a level 1 industrial mechanic at any industrial plant/center.  This course will ensure that you have a rudimentary understanding of the various components that you will encounter in a typical work shift.  The hands-on section will also help prepare you in using various tools in a safe and efficient manner in order to complete a variety of maintenance jobs.  This course will also provide you with a series of certifications that will benefit you in your future career.  Among these will be various certifications regarding using and reading various measuring devices, basic computer skills, and Internet basics.
  • Insurance Producer CPP -  Health & Life - This program emphasizes Health & Life Insurance training.
  • Manufacturing & Production CPP - This program is designed for students wanting to enter employment as entry-level manufacturing or production professionals. Students will gain foundational knowledge in safety, lean, and measurement, plus training on work ethics and communication. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to enter.
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Press Brake Operator - This course introduces students to the start-up, operation and basic programming of a CNC press brake. Students will also learn topics such as blueprint reading essentials, bending theory and machine tooling. This is an introductory course to press brake operating. The topics covered provide a foundation for all students need to become an entry-level press brake operator.
  • Project Professional + Quality Manager - This is a combination of the Project Professional and Lean Six Sigma (Quality Improvement Manager) programs.
  • Quality Improvement Manager
  • Veterinary Assistant
 

CREDIT PROGRAMS

  • Medical Services Representative + CPP - This program provides the basic medical knowledge needed for an entry-level position in a medical office setting. Courses include Medical Terminology I & II, Introduction to Medical Law & Ethics, Introduction to Electronic Health Records, and a Lab Experience. 
  • Cisco Certified Network Technician - This program provides students with the knowledge and a skillset desired by many businesses to build, maintain, and secure their computer networks. Using actual networking equipment and realistic scenarios, students learn the hands-on skills needed to design, configure, harden, and sustain wired and wireless networks as well as the concepts covered in the Cisco CCNA certification exams. 
  • Customer Experience Leadership - The role of a Customer Experience specialist is to deliver a smooth, unfragmented, and consistent customer experience across all touchpoints and at all stages of the buyer journey so that customers build brand loyalty, refer their friends, and leave positive customer reviews that help the business retain revenue, and earn new customers. Courses in this program develop service industry, customer service, and communication skills. 
  • Diversified Manufacturing - This program focuses on foundational manufacturing concepts such as safety, manufacturing processes, electrical, maintenance awareness, quality practices and measurement. Successful students will earn five MSSC industry recognized certifications. 
  • IT Desktop Support Technician - Students will gain the skills required to provide desktop support covering a multitude of technologies including basic networking skills, hardware and software support, call center support, among other basic information technology tasks. 
  • Workplace Technology Program - This program prepares students for a career in a variety of office and administrative support professions. Program courses provide students with a broad knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, business office knowledge, and communication and interpersonal skills. These skills provide the foundation needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing business world. 

WHAT DOES GAP COVER?
You may be eligible for partial or total assistance for tuition, books, fees, and equipment.
 
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION?
By applying for and accepting Gap funding you are agreeing to:
  1. Maintain regular contact with instructors, career coaches, and program staff.
  2. Sign any necessary releases to provide relevant information to college staff, if applicable.
  3. Discuss with college staff any issues that may affect your ability to complete the program and obtain or maintain full-time employment.
  4. Attend all courses regularly, if you will be absent communicate with college staff and make arraignments to complete work outside of class time.
  5. Meet with college staff to develop a job-search plan.
  6. Complete surveying when requested by college staff.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Screen reader users: To view the answer to a question, press space to activate the link, then down arrow to see the answer.

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.

I just graduated high school and still live with my parents; do I need to submit their income and tax information as part of my verification documents?

No, the income verification needed for the applicant and spouse if they are married.

I am enrolled in and started the program but now I’ve changed my mind and would like to enroll in a different program, can I use Gap funding for my second program?

No, Gap assistance is offered one time per eligible applicant.

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-2110