“Thank you so much for your generosity in assisting me with my college education. I do not know how I could have managed without your assistance. I hope you all know how much of a difference you have made in my life.” – Stacie, a Millvale woman who received Education Assistance
Are you working hard for that degree, but you just need a little help? NHCO’s Education Assistance program helps non-traditional adult students in need reach their education goals.
North Hills Community Outreach provides grants, usually to non-traditional students, to further their education. Grants depend on financial need and availability of funds. Applicants must live or attend college or post-secondary trade school in northern Allegheny County north of the City of Pittsburgh and demonstrate financial need. (Applicants should be at 200% or lower of the federal income poverty guidelines.)
Often, Education Assistance funds can be used for any college- or post-secondary school- related expense, such as tuition, fees, books, child care and transportation.
If you have questions about applying, or would like to donate to the Education Assistance fund, please contact Melissa at 412-408-3830 ext 3217.
Deadline to apply for spring is November 15!
Download an Education Assistance Program Application
Client Highlight
The Great Recession of 2008 took away Kevin Walter’s job as a licensed investments and insurance salesperson, but it gave him something, too: the urge to do something truly fulfilling.
When the economic crisis virtually dried up opportunities in his field, Kevin took work with the Office of Children, Youth and Families. “I worked with neglected and abused kids and spent time in hospitals with them,” he recalls.
Unfortunately, cutbacks ended that job too. But Kevin’s priorities had changed. “That work led me to want to be a nurse,” he says. He registered for nursing school and began taking prerequisites at Community College of Allegheny County.
Kevin still hadn’t found work. When he couldn’t even afford to get to his volunteer work at the Veterans Administration, Kevin came to North Hills Community Outreach for food pantry assistance. He saw a flier about NHCO’s Education Assistance program for nontraditional students, applied and interviewed.
When the committee called him shortly after with the good news that he was approved, “I thought that was great!” Kevin says. Soon after that, he started a job at a senior living facility.
Kevin, now 33, of Shaler, has been working toward his registered nursing degree for three years while continuing to work, and recently transferred to La Roche College full time.
“NHCO has helped me every semester, since fall of 2013,” Kevin says. He has used the funds for books and tuition.
“My education will help others, not just me. It will help patients and other people that I will take care of. I’m really happy studying nursing. I put in long days and work on holidays and I’m working hard to get my degree.”
For those struggling to get an education, Kevin has words of encouragement. “If you want to do something, put your eyes on it and do it. I was in a rough spot, so I know how it is. The help from others, like NHCO and my family and everyone around me, means a lot. The people around you are vital.”
***If you are struggling, are unemployed or underemployed, and would like some help setting goals, our Pathways Program could help. ***