Congratulations! You’ve decided to invest in your education and pursue a certification to help secure the career you’ve been aiming for. One of the first questions is: how do you pay for it?
While federal or private student loans are options, they often come with debt. Before borrowing, it’s worth exploring grants, which are financial gifts you don’t have to repay.
Government Grants: WIOA
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides grants specifically designed to help job seekers access education, training, and supportive services that lead to meaningful employment. The goal is to connect skilled workers with high-demand industries and help them succeed in today’s labor market.
Eligible programs under WIOA often include high-value career fields such as:
Advanced manufacturing
Building and construction
Health sciences
IT and business services
Transportation and logistics
This makes WIOA an excellent option for funding certifications and career-focused training programs offered through World Education.
Typical Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet the following criteria (specifics vary by state):
Be a state resident and U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a high school diploma (or equivalent), but less than a college degree
Enroll in a qualifying program at an eligible training provider
Submit the FAFSA
Enroll full-time (usually four courses) if a Dependent Student
Enroll at least half-time (usually two courses) if an Independent Student
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Meet any additional criteria established by your state’s commission
To apply, visit your state’s WIOA website and follow the instructions. Your local workforce office can provide guidance and answer specific questions about your eligibility and program options.
How World Education Can Help
World Education offers online, work-at-your-own-pace programs across multiple high-demand career fields that align with WIOA funding eligibility. This means you can:
Train in healthcare, IT, business, media, and skilled trades
Access certification programs recognized by industry
Apply your WIOA grant toward tuition, certification fees, and sometimes even supportive costs like books or technology
Learn at your own schedule without sacrificing work or family responsibilities
By pairing WIOA funding with World Education programs, you can start building your career immediately while minimizing debt.