Funding Options
Courses offered by U of A Professional and Workforce Development are non-credit and do not award academic or degree credit. This means they are not eligible for federal financial aid programs (Pell Grants, FSEOG, Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans, Perkins Loans, PLUS Loans, etc.). However, there are many funding options that may assist you in reaching your career training goals.
Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE)
Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship
The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship provides up to $800 for workforce training
in high-demand areas of healthcare, IT, and industry.
More Information / Apply Online
Arkansas Future Grant
The Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) provides funding for students enrolled in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or regional high-demand areas of study.
More Information / Apply Online
Arkansas Center for Data Science (ACDS)
ReSkill Arkansas
The ACDS ReSkill Arkansas Program serves Arkansans of all backgrounds looking to start
a career in IT. ReSkill Arkansas is a statewide program dedicated to helping Arkansans
develop in-demand skills in the IT field through free training and career development.
More Information / Apply Online
Single Parent Scholarship Fund (SPSF)
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas (SPSFNWA)
SPSFNWA helps single parents in Northwest Arkansas create futures for their families
by providing direct financial assistance, as well as supportive services for those
who are pursuing higher education and live in Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington
counties.
More Information / Apply Online
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF)
ASPSF helps single parents across Arkansas (excluding Benton, Carroll, Madison, and
Washington counties) to create a better future for their families through training
and educational opportunities.
More Information / Apply Online
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services (ADWS)
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services offers funding to qualifying Arkansans
who are underemployed or unemployed through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (WIOA). Interested individuals must contact their local Arkansas Workforce Center
and ask to speak with a Career Advisor to apply for funding or a scholarship for training.
Find your local workforce center
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS)
ARS prepares Arkansans with disabilities to work and lead productive and independent
lives. To achieve its mission, ARS provides a variety of training and career preparation
programs. They have 19 field offices across the state serving all 75 counties where individuals can receive assistance with accessibility
and training needs that can lead to successful employment.
Military Tuition Assistance
Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
The Armed Forces offers eligible military members, their dependents, and veterans
several program benefit options to support their educational goals. For active and
actively drilling members, this includes up to $4500 in Tuition Assistance for college
courses, vocational training, and certificate courses taken.
More Information / Apply Online
Private Loans and Scholarships
You may apply for a private loan from the lender of your choice. The application, approval, disbursement, and repayment information will be based on their policy. You may also explore scholarships available through your community, church, professional, tribal, or civic organization. If have received a loan or scholarship to use for one of our training programs, or if you are a member of an organization that is awarding a scholarship to one of our participants, please contact us at training@uark.edu or 855-402-3300 for registration, billing and payment information.
Your Department or Employer
Professional development funding or reimbursement may be available through your department or employer. Check with your supervisor to see if opportunities are available and how to request them.
For Employers
Office of Skills Development (OSD) Training Grants
OSD serves Arkansas businesses by funding staff training in IT, soft skills, and general
workforce. A training grant is a way the government funds your ideas and projects
to provide public service and stimulate the economy. The State of Arkansas funds
your training and workforce development projects through the Office of Skills Development
(OSD). If your company or organization is seeking funding through OSD to provide
training for your employees, you may contact us at training@uark.edu or 855-402-3300 for assistance.