Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant Program
The goal of the Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant Program is to encourage and enable West Virginia students that demonstrate financial need to continue their education on a part-time basis at the post-secondary level.
Awards
For students enrolled at a public college or university, the maximum grant is based on the actual per credit hour tuition and required fees charged.
For students enrolled at other eligible institutions, the award is based upon the average per credit hour tuition and required fees charged by public undergraduate institutions of higher education.
Total aid, including a HEAPS award, may not exceed the recipient's total cost of education.
Eligible Institutions/Programs
A community college, a state college or university or an independent college or university in West Virginia.
Award Criteria
Recipients are selected each year by institutions based on the student's eligibility and the availability of funds.
Eligibility Requirements
- A West Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior date of application
- Citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Demonstrate financial need
- Not be in default on a higher education loan
- Not incarcerated in a correctional facility
- Comply with the Military Selective Service Act
Renewals
HEAPS grants can be renewed until the program of study is completed but cannot exceed an additional nine years beyond the first year of the award.
Renewal consideration will be based on meeting satisfactory academic progress, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrating financial need and completing an institutional application.
Applications
Applicants must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and an application with the individual institution.
Participating Institutions
To determine if an institution participates in HEAPS, please contact the institution's financial aid office.
Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant Program (workforce development component)
The component is awarded to students that demonstrate financial need, enroll in a post-secondary certificate, industry recognized credential, or other skill development program in a demand occupation in West Virginia.
Awards
Students demonstrating financial need who are enrolled in an approved program may receive the cost of the program up to $2,000.
Students enrolled in multiple approved programs for a single academic year can receive a cumulative maximum of $2,000 for all programs.
Eligible Institutions/Programs
Eligible programs for funding reimbursement are non-credit skill upgrade programs that complement West Virginia Development Office initiatives for targeted industries or targeted employers, promote job creation or retention, or assist in developing skills for new economy jobs or high performance workplaces.
The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, with input from the West Virginia Development Office, annually set programmatic funding priorities.
Participating Institutions
To determine if an institution participates in HEAPS Workforce Development, please contact the institution's financial aid office.
Eligibility Requirements
- A West Virginia resident for at least 12 months prior to date of application
- A citizen or a permanent resident of the United States
- Submit the HEAPS Workforce Development application
(Download the PDF to complete and submit. 
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- Have a high school diploma, GED or be pursuing the GED
- Not be in default on a higher education loan
- Not incarcerated in a correctional facility
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in post-secondary certificate, industry recognized credential or other skill development programs of study
- Demonstrate financial need
Award Criteria
Recipients will be selected each year based on the applicant's eligibility and the availability of funds.
Renewals
Because this grant is specifically targeted for programs lasting less than 12 months, students cannot be awarded the grant for the same course more than once.
Applications
Applicants must submit the HEAPS Workforce Development application, which is available at participating institutions.