Money available to help adult learners go to college

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Wyoming's nontraditional college students once again have the opportunity to receive financial support for earning a degree or certificate through the “Kickstart Wyoming’s Tomorrow Scholarship,” which local leaders hope will draw more adult learners to Laramie County Community College.

Applications are being accepted now. For information on how to apply, go to lccc.wy.edu/wytomorrow. 

“Kickstart Wyoming’s Tomorrow Scholarship” is a statewide program offering up to $1,800 per semester toward tuition at Wyoming’s eight community colleges, including LCCC, and the University of Wyoming. The state-funded scholarship is for those aged 24 and older who want to pursue a degree or certificate, or need to take more classes to finish a degree they already started. 

The Wyoming Legislature created the scholarship to help working adults obtain the skills and education necessary to re-enter the workforce, move up in their current careers or pursue new career paths. 

Earning a college degree is still one of the best ways to advance economically and positively change a person’s life, said Brandi Payne Cervera, LCCC Financial Aid & Scholarships director. Assisting adult learners financially, she said, will help them reach those aspirations.

“This scholarship is intended to relieve some of the financial burden of attending college so that nontraditional students can pursue their educational goals,” said Brandi Payne Cervera, LCCC Financial Aid & Scholarships director. “These students will learn new skills, training and knowledge that will help open doors to future employment opportunities in a highly competitive job market.”

Contact the LCCC Student Hub at 307.778.1265 or studenthub@lccc.wy.edu with questions.

Scholarship funds are limited, so all awards are dependent on funding availability. Beyond the age requirement, applicants must be Wyoming residents, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and register for the Wyoming At Work program through the Department of Workforce Services. The program provides access to information and career resources to assist in the job search process.

The scholarship is not available to individuals currently receiving or eligible for the Hathaway Scholarship, those who owe a refund under any federal Title IV student financial aid program or a state-administered financial aid program in Wyoming or incarcerated individuals.