How to Pay for Short-Term & Workforce Programs

Financial Aid & Funding Options through WVNCC

Many students qualify for grants, scholarships, or payment options to help cover workforce program costs. Follow the steps below to explore your options.

Step 1: Register for Your Course

Choose your course and register online at wvncc.coursestorm.com.
Select “Pay by Check” during registration so you can explore funding options before making a payment.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid first - even though federal Pell Grant funding does not cover short-term workforce programs, submitting the FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for workforce grants and scholarships.

Complete the FAFSA

Choose WV Northern (School Code: 010920).

Need Help Getting Started?

The easiest way to get assistance is to complete our short help form - just share a few details and a WVNCC team member will reach out to you to walk through your options.

See What Funding You May Qualify For

Step 3: Apply for Funding Options

Students may qualify for one or more of the following:

• HEAPS Workforce Grant (WV residents)
• WVNCC Workforce Scholarships
• WIOA Funding
• VA Education Benefits (select programs)
• Employer Sponsorships
• Payment Plans
• Rehabilitation Services Support

See below for full eligibility details and application instructions.

We are happy to assist you with this process, if you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to reach out.

Request Assistance Button  

Scholarships are available for the following programs:   

• CDL
• CDL Refreshers
• EMT & Paramedic
• Welding 
   

Additional Ways to Pay

Additional documentation may be required depending on your funding source. Your case worker will guide you through exactly what is needed. Many students use more than one funding source.
 

HEAPS WORKFORCE GRANT (WEST VIRGINIA RESIDENTS ONLY) – Up to $2000/year.

• The 2025-2026 HEAPS Workforce application is available now for classes beginning before July 1, 2026. The 2026-2027 HEAPS Workforce application will be available beginning July 1, 2026 for any classes starting on or after that date.

• Grants cannot be approved without FAFSA results for the appropriate year on file.

• Monitor the email you list on your application for updates, and contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions.

WVNCC SCHOLARSHIP

• Students enrolled in the CDL, Paramedic, or Summer Welding Institute programs are encouraged apply for a scholarship.
• The Financial Aid Office will determine an applicant’s eligibility and award amount subject to available funds, financial need, and other factors.
• Scholarships may be awarded that are less than the full cost of a course.

2025-2026 Scholarship Application – For classes beginning ON or AFTER July 1, 2025

Complete the application and turn it in to financialaidoffice@wvncc.edu or in person on any campus, and check your WVNCC email for updates. For WVNCC email access, contact Terri Phillips at 304-214-8968 / tphillips@wvncc.edu after you have registered for a course.

Scholarshipc

OTHER FUNDING OPTIONS

Questions about these funding options?
Jenna Derrico, Special Populations Counselor.
jderrico@wvncc.edu
Office: 304-214-8962
Work Cell: 304-650-9997 (feel free to text!)

VA EDUCATION BENEFITS (PARAMEDIC PROGRAM ONLY)

• Eligible veterans or their dependents may be able to use VA education benefits for the Paramedic program. This guide will be updated if additional short-term courses or programs are approved for VA education benefits.
• Call the VA Education Hotline at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) if you’re unsure what benefit(s) you may qualify for. Then contact Jenna Derrico to use your benefits and find out what other services are available to veterans at WVNCC regardless of benefit status.

- WIOA FUNDING

• Contact Jenna Derrico at WVNCC for all WIOA-related questions and requests. Applicants should start the eligibility process at least several weeks before their intended start date. The maximum award and steps to apply vary based on county or region. Contact WVNCC first if you live outside of WV/OH.
• WV Residents - Contact the American Job Center / Workforce WV location nearest to you to get started.
  • Wheeling: 355 Wharton Circle, Triadelphia WV 26059. Phone: 304-232-6280.
  • Weirton: 100 Municipal Plaza Suite 350, Weirton WV 26062. Phone: 304-723-5337
  •  New Martinsville: 425 S 4th Ave Suite 21B, Paden City WV. Phone: 304-337-4029
• OH Residents - Contact theOhio Means Jobs location nearest to you to get started.
  • Belmont County: 302 Walnut St, Martins Ferry OH 43935. Phone: 740-633-5627
  • Jefferson County: 114 N 4th St, Steubenville, OH 43952. Phone: 740-282-0971
• Applicants may want to have certain documents at the ready to ensure a speedy eligibility process.
  ^{* List is for informational use only; actual requirements will be communicated by case workers.*}
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card for yourself and family members living with you
  • Valid driver’s license or photo ID
  • Utility bill or other mail with your current address
  • Selective Service Verification (if born after Dec 31, 1959)
  • Income verification/paystubs for all family members
  • Public assistance if receiving food stamps, medical card, etc.
  • Proof of child support payments (check stub, court letter, etc.) Unemployment benefits
  • Verification/layoff notice
  • Veteran status (DD214)
  • Disability documentation for all family members

- PAYMENT PLAN

• Contact Jenna Derrico if you would like to pay for your course in two or more installments.
• A breakdown of payment amounts and due dates will be provided.
• The first payment will be due prior to the course start date, and all course costs must be paid in full prior to the conclusion of the course.