Community College Gap Assistance Program (NE) Grant

Community College Gap Assistance Program (NE) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Summary

The Community College Gap Assistance Program in Nebraska provides financial aid to low-income students enrolled in non-credit or under-credited programs that are not eligible for Pell Grants. This initiative aims to help students gain skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and trades, ultimately enhancing employability. Grants can be used for tuition, training costs, and necessary materials, supporting those who fall through the cracks of traditional funding sources.

Overview

NOTE: For more information, contact the community college Gap Assistance program representative for your area. Community College Gap Assistance Program (NE) The Community College Gap Assistance Program aims to address this looming shortage by offering financial aid to community college students enrolled in credit or non-credit programs that are not eligible for Pell grants that could lead to jobs in high-need fields. These are low-income students who would not be eligible for federal financial aid because, although they’re enrolled in college, they are not enrolled in programs for credit that lead directly to a degree. Gap Program funds are distributed to the state’s six community colleges, which recruit and select eligible low-income students in eligible programs to receive grants. Eligible students must have a family income at or below 250 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Student grants can be used for tuition, direct training costs, required books and equipment, and fees, including those for industry testing services and background check services. Legislation defines eligible programs as: “…a program offered by a community college that (a) either (i) is not offered for credit and has a duration of not less than sixteen contact hours in length or (ii) is offered for credit but is of insufficient clock, semester, or quarter hours to be eligible for Federal Pell Grants, (b) is aligned with training programs with stackable credentials that lead to a program awarding college credit, an associate's degree, a diploma, or a certificate in an in-demand occupation, and (c) does any of the following: Offers a state, national, or locally recognized certificate; Offers preparation for a professional examination or licensure; Provides endorsement for an existing credential or license; Represents recognized skill standards defined by an industrial sector; or Offers a similar credential or training.” The legislation specifies in-demand occupations to include: Financial services Transportation, warehousing, and distribution logistics Precision metals manufacturing Biosciences Renewable energy Agriculture and food processing Business management and administrative services Software and computer services Research, development, and engineering services Health services Hospitality and tourism Construction Education The Coordinating Commission administers the program, which is under the direction of the Nebraska Community College Student Performance and Occupational Education Grant Committee. The committee can designate additional in-demand occupations that are eligible for the program.

Eligibility

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