San Jacinto College launches Finish Line program to help cover student tuition
PASADENA, Texas — San Jacinto College has launched its new Finish Line program using grant funding to help cover tuition costs for students in participating programs who are close to earning their credential.
"We understand these are challenging times, and students may be struggling to make the financial commitment to their educational goals due to the pandemic's impact on their job, home life, or college plans," said Dr. Sarah Janes, associate vice chancellor of continuing and professional development. "This new program allows the College to provide tangible, financial support to ease the burden for our students and to help them cross the finish line toward earning their degree or certificate."
Funded by the College's allocation from the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, the Finish Line program will provide last-dollar financial support covering tuition costs for up to three semesters — with a $2,500 max distribution per student — for students in the following credit and non-credit programs:
- Credit: Nursing (LVN), mental health, pharmacy tech, medical billing and coding, air conditioning, computer information technology, diesel technology, electrical technology, engineering design graphics, pipefitting, and welding
- Non-credit: Phlebotomy and truck driving
Students enrolled in the qualifying programs must meet additional requirements to be eligible for the Finish Line program's financial assistance:
- Texas resident eligible for in-state tuition
- Have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
- Have financial need and are eligible for federal Title IV aid
- Have affirmed they were affected by COVID-19
- Enrolled in one of the approved Finish Line programs full time or part time
- Have not been enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in the previous semester or previous six months
- Are within 12 months or 50-75% of completing their credential program
"Access to this program will be a lifeline for many of our stop-out students and displaced industry workers who have been hit hard by COVID-19 and who need a helping hand to get back on track toward their goals," said Janes. "We're glad to be able to provide a financial boost for these students to get them realigned with a clear path forward."
To learn more about scholarships and grants at San Jac, visit sanjac.edu/grants.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. San Jacinto College is among the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence, and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually, and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. San Jacinto College's impact on the region totals $1.3 billion in added income, which supports 13,044 jobs. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's.
For more information about San Jacinto College call 281-998-6150, visit sanjac.edu or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
