| Imagine being over forty and returning to college. | | | | choice. |
| Scary, huh? | | | | Displaced workers might find help through WIA, a |
| But it doesn't have to be. College after the age of | | | | government sponsored program that aids out of work |
| forty, or even fifty, can be a wonderful experience if | | | | individuals with retraining programs at either vocation |
| you allow yourself to embrace new ideas and open | | | | schools or community colleges, job placement services |
| your mind to all the new possibilities. Sure it can be | | | | and counseling. This program is usually directed by |
| nerve wracking, and yes, downright scary at times, but | | | | your local Community Action Agency. |
| giving yourself the second chance to further your | | | | If you have a disability, physical or learning, Vocational |
| education will not only help you boost your self-esteem, | | | | Rehabilitation Services (offered through your local |
| it just might give you a brand new career to boot. | | | | Education and Workforce Development Agency) may |
| Of course there are other things to consider. Financially | | | | also be able to help with financing plus provide |
| speaking, college isn't cheap. Even a small community | | | | materials or services to help you deal with your |
| college can charge several thousand dollars per | | | | handicap. Check with your states website for more |
| semester. Luckily there are ways around this, | | | | information. |
| especially if you happen to be disabled, a displaced | | | | Once you've figured out the all important financial |
| worker or scraping by on a low income. | | | | issues of returning to college, time is another |
| Federal Student Aid, a federally funded, nation-wide | | | | consideration. Do you have any to spare? Most people |
| program, offers cash for college in the form of Pell | | | | lead busy lives that revolve around their families or |
| Grants. In some cases, grant money will even cover | | | | their jobs. Can you afford to give up the time |
| room and board, books, living expenses and other | | | | necessary to return to college? Can you afford not |
| fees. And the nice thing about the Pell Grant is that it | | | | too? |
| never has to be repaid. Of course there are catches. | | | | With today's economy, undereducated workers don't |
| You must meet certain qualifications and income | | | | have the same chances as college graduates do |
| requirements but you'll never know if you qualify until | | | | when it comes to finding, and landing, a well paying job |
| you apply. | | | | that offers benefits or the opportunity for |
| Another option is the Stafford Loan Program. Also | | | | advancement. Even something as basic as a |
| funded by the government, there are two types of | | | | two-year Associates Degree can tip the scales if your |
| Stafford Loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Both | | | | favor when applying for a job so don't automatically |
| offer low interest rates to qualified borrowers and the | | | | dismiss the idea of going to college just because you |
| option to start repayment of the loan as long as six | | | | have a few gray hairs. Its well worth the time and |
| months after you graduate. More information about | | | | effort and you just may find that being a mature adult |
| both the Federal Student Aid program and the | | | | is one heck of an advantage when it comes to |
| Stafford Loan program may be found on line or gotten | | | | becoming a new non-traditional student. |
| from your financial counselor at the college of your | | | | |