Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA is a federally-funded program for low income adults and dislocated workers enrolled or wishing to enroll in occupational training through Curriculum or Continuing Education. These funds may assist with registration fees, textbooks, tools, required supplies, and childcare.
Applicant must be 18 years or older and a US citizen or eligible non-citizen. To apply, students must complete a WIOA application, assessment tests, and provide eligibility verification.
Human Services Department- 910.938.6309 | humanservices@coastalcarolina.edu
Golden LEAF Community College Scholarship Program
The Golden Leaf Community College Scholarship Program offers annual scholarships of up to $2,250 for curriculum students enrolled in certificate, diploma, or degree programs and up to $1,850 for continuing education students enrolled in a course that trains towards a credential listed on the Workforce Continuing Education Credentials list. Scholarships are awarded to students residing in counties designated as qualifying by the Golden Leaf Foundation.
The initiative is aimed at supporting students and their families by offsetting cost associated with curriculum and workforce continuing education programs. The costs may include tuition, fees, books, credential exams, childcare, and transportation.
Workforce Continuing Education Student Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a NC resident as determined by the Residency Determination Service (RDS).
- Reside in a qualifying county as designated by the Golden Leaf Foundation.
- Be enrolled in a course that trains toward credentials listed on the Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) Credentials list. Click here for the latest WCE Credentials list.
Award Amount:
Up to $1,850 annually per academic year for workforce continuing education students
For Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) students, colleges will determine scholarship award amounts based on availability of funds and student need as determined by the college.
North Carolina Community Colleges Golden LEAF Community College Scholarship 2025-2026 Student Application
Qualifying Counties
Human Services Department- 910.938.6309 | humanservices@coastalcarolina.edu
SECU Bridge to Career Scholarship
The State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Bridge to Career Program helps remove financial barriers for Workforce Continuing Education students seeking to obtain state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials and sustainable-wage careers within their communities.
Student Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for funding through the program, a student or prospective student must:
- Be a North Carolina resident
- Be enrolled or enrolling in a course(s) leading to an NC Workforce Credential at the
- Essential or Career Level, or that has been approved by NCCCS
- The student would be eligible to be awarded up to two (2) scholarships within the program year when taking two (2) scholarship eligible courses. (Program
year runs July 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026)
- The student would be eligible to be awarded up to two (2) scholarships within the program year when taking two (2) scholarship eligible courses. (Program
- Be part of one of the following target groups: unemployed or underemployed, members of the NC National Guard, military veterans and spouses, or underserved populations in a specific workforce sector or area
- Not be a director, employee, or family member of an employee of the State Employees’ Credit Union or SECU Foundation; and
- Must complete their course work supported by this scholarship by end of program year (August 31, 2026)
Student Consent Form
Photo Release Form
Biographical Statement Form
Human Services Department- 910.938.6309 | humanservices@coastalcarolina.edu
Other Possible Sources of Assistance
- Childcare Assistance
- Referral for One Place resources
Contact Information
For an application and more information on any of the above services, please call the Human Services Department at 910.938.6309. An application must be completed in person. Please visit the Student Center Building to apply.
Short-Term Workforce Development (STWD) Grant Program
The Short-Term Workforce Development (STWD) Grant Program, established by Session Law 2021-180, is a state-funded financial aid program for eligible Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) students pursuing high-demand, family-sustaining wage credentials identified as N.C. Workforce Credentials at either the Essential or Career level. These credential pathways may consist of a single WCE course or a series of courses.
Student Eligibility Requirements
At a minimum, eligible students applying for this scholarship must be:
- A resident of North Carolina
- As required by Session Law 2021-180 Section 6.6. (c), eligible students must establish residency under the criteria outlined in G.S. 116-143.1 following the coordinated and centralized residency determination process administered by the State Education Assistance Authority known as the NC Residency Determination Service (RDS).
- A Student enrolling in Workforce Continuing Education (WCE) pathways/courses leading to an N.C. Workforce Credential identified as either Essential or Career level. These pathways may consist of a single WCE course or a series of courses. The list of eligible credentials is available at https://nccareers.org/credentials/credentials-list.
Use of Scholarship Funds
Scholarship awards are determined by each college based on student needs, local industry needs, number of eligible students, and cost of course, up to a maximum of $750 per course. The scholarships help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, credentialing tests, transportation, childcare, and other components of the total cost of attendance.