We all know that no matter what you are going to school for it takes money. The sad truth is that this is probablly the #1 reason that some people don't seek further training. There are some answers to this dilema. Unfortunately there is such a bewildering amount of information out there it can be a lot like cracking open a set of encyclopedias and looking for a single sentence. I have learned a few things along the way that may be helpful.
For today I decided that I would discuss a nice thing called WorkSource that is available here in Florida. So let me apologize to the many that this does not apply to. The important thing that I can say to readers no matter where you are from is this: Talk to the financial aid department at the school you are attending. Do not be afraid to look dumb by asking questions. There is a lot of help out there but you need to work for it! It will pay off in the end.
Take me for instance. When I started out I received some help through a Pell grant but that was quickly expended and soon I was deemed ineligable for financial aid due to my wife's income. I figured that I was stuck. Sure I saw a lot of scholarships out there. Essays were in my heart but never made it to paper let alone into an envelope. Somehow we managed through family help and overtime. I now wish I had known about WorkSource.
WorkSource
As the title mentioned WorkSource is specific to the state of Florida. To be more specific Northeast Florida. Here is a brief explaination from the website www.worksourcefl.com: WorkSource is part of First Coast Workforce Development, providing services to help the First Coast work. First Coast Workforce Development is a publicly funded agency that provides extensive workforce-related services to six counties in the First Coast area - Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
In 2005, over 76,000 people registered to find work with us, and more than 41,000 people obtained jobs through our services. We served over 3,000 First Coast employers with more than 11,000 requests for qualified workers. We manage a budget of $15 million in federal funds to meet the labor needs of our community and to facilitate a wide range of programs.
What they don't specifically say on the website it that some of these funds are dedicated toward paying tution in qualified fields of study. A list of training vendors can be found on the website. Training Vendors
Quite a number of my classmates have used this service and have paid thier way through the entire x-ray program. Basically the way it works is even if you have a job as long as you demonstrate a financial need they suppliment your income to help you pay tution. From what I have heard from the students in my class if you make less than $25 an hour at your current job you qualify.
The bottom line: If you are a student in the greater Jacksonville, FL area and you are interested in the Radiography program this is a definite MUST LOOK option. Talk to the financial aid office about WorkSource or call the WorkSource office nearest you. WorkSource Locations
Disclaimer: These are the facts as I see them and are by no means authoritative. For more detailed information contact you local financial aid office. They will have infromation specific to your area and location. This blog is meant to share observations and information that will lead the reader to do further investigation.
XRaye
