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Financial Aid

GRANTS
Cherokee Nation

Financial aid is available for tribal citizens needing assistance to pay tuition and testing fees. These grants may be used for a variety of occupational or technical trades.​​

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The Fort Smith (and Van Buren) Adult Education centers are part of the WAGE™ program, which is a job readiness program for adults who are unemployed or underemployed. WAGE™ focuses on improving basic academic skills while also providing workforce training and preparation activities. Participants can earn Level I and Level II WAGE™ Certificates by completing each module's requirements. 

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Western Arkansas Planning and Development District

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The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD) plays a key role in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Western Arkansas. The WIOA is a law that helps job seekers find employment, support services and  provides grants for education and training.

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services provides a variety of FREE training and career preparation programs for qualifying Arkansas residents.

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This program enables Choctaw Nation tribal members to obtain recognized certifications needed to enter careers and/or advance existing careers that are self-sustaining and contribute to personal financial security, healthy lifestyles and the enhancement of the regional, state and national economy.

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Scholorships
American Welding Society Scholarship

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Student loan options
Arkansas Rural Endowment Fund

Student loan 

AREF was created as a private, nonprofit entity with the sole purpose of making affordable loans to rural Arkansans. Since that time, AREF has helped thousands of Arkansans attain higher education to pursue their dreams

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Meratize loan program

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Student loan 

We want to build a better future. That’s why we enable students to fund their skills-based careers with non-traditional lending methods.

We believe in skills-based education. That’s why we work to finance motivated students looking for tangible skills that will lead to a meaningful career.

SCHOLARSHIPS
American Welding Society Scholarship

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Mike Rowe Scholarship

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