Patient discussing insurance options with two staff members in an office

Workforce Scholarships (formerly GEER) help community college students enrolled in continuing education (CE) courses and high-demand workforce training programs that lead to a state or industry-recognized credential.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship amount

The Workforce Scholarships award up to $750, or the cost of the program — whichever is less. The scholarship can help cover the cost of:

  • tuition
  • fees
  • books and supplies
  • credentialing tests
  • transportation
  • other costs of attendance

Eligibility

To qualify, you must be:

  • North Carolina resident.
  • Currently enrolled or able to enroll in an eligible continuing education program or course:
    • at least 96 credit hours
    • leads to a state or industry-recognized credential

Eligible programs

Other programs may be considered if they are at least 96 credit hours and meet local workforce needs. Explore continuing education programs. (Continuing education courses start with a 7 or an 8.) If your application is approved, we will help you choose and enroll in an eligible program, if needed.

  • Assisted Living Activity Director Training
  • AutoCAD Certificate
  • Barbering Licensing Program
  • Central Sterile Processing Certificate
  • Cisco CCNA Certification Training
  • Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) Training
  • Community Health Worker
  • Cosmetology (Spanish)
  • EKG Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic and/or Paramedic
  • Esthetics Certificate
  • Excel Business Analytics
  • Information Technology (IT Support Technician, Cybersecurity Analyst, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA PenTest+)
  • Jump START Careers in Hotel & Lodging Operations
  • Manicuring & Pedicuring Certificate
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Natural Hair Care
  • Professional Bookkeeper
  • TESLA START Training (admitted students only)

How to apply

  • Choose Your Continuing Education Course or Program
    Choose a program that meets your career goals and needs. If you need help choosing a program, contact Workforce Scholarships Coordinator Sheila Funderburke, at 704-330-2722, ext. 3644 or via email.
  • Complete the Workforce Scholarships Application and Release Form
    Submit the Workforce Scholarships application and release form. We will then contact you to confirm that you are eligible and to help you register for classes.