Pell Grants are only awarded to students who have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Pell Grants are classified as gift aid; they carry no repayment obligation. Only courses that are 600 or more hours in length are Pell Grant eligible. Pell Grant money is awarded based on need, which is determined when students complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The JVS Financial Aid Counselors will help students complete the FAFSA if they bring in their financial information and tax forms. Students may also complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students who complete the FAFSA online must enter the JVS school code so that the financial aid counselor can access the results online. The JVS SCHOOL CODE is 026038. Note: Students who have previously completed a FAFSA for the purposes of enrolling in another institution need not submit a new FAFSA. Students must simply use assigned PIN numbers to edit their submitted FAFSA by adding the JVS school code: 026038.

It is important for students to be aware that Satisfactory Progress must be maintained for continued Title IV elegibility. Lorain County JVS defines Satisfactory Progress as a 90% attendance rate and a 77% academic average. Any student who is dismissed due to not meeting these requirements or who withdraws from the program for other reasons may face financial consequences.

Students awarded Pell Grants who do not complete programs will have their Pell Awards prorated. This means that the financial administrator will divide the hours that the student was scheduled to have completed on the date of withdrawal and divide by the total number of hours in the period of enrollment. This would be the the percentage of the Pell Award earned that would be drawn and applied to the student account. For example, a student completes 225 hours of a 900 hour program; 25% of the total Pell award would be applied to the student's balance. It is important that students realize that in this situation, they would be responsible for any remaining balance due to the JVS.

If a student earns more than 60% of his Pell award, the entire Pell award could be applied to the student's account.

Federal Stafford Loans must be repaid. Students interested in borrowing money from a Federal Stafford Loan must first complete a FAFSA. The results of the FAFSA will determine whether a loan will be subsidized or unsubsidized. Borrowers must also complete entrance and exit counseling. Students should be sure that they will be capable of assuming the debt that results from borrowing money through a Federal Stafford Loan. Defaulting on a Federal Loan can result in wage garnishment, income tax refunds being withheld, and a poor credit rating.

The Lorain County Employment netWork is a partnership of local agencies and organizations that deliver a comprehensive system of high quality, customer-friendly services designed to meet your education, training, employment or supportive services needs. Based on available funding, qualified individuals may receive funding for a variety of programs with occupational outcomes, regardless of hours.

The Employment netWork
42495 North Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035
440-324-5244
www.loraincountyworks.com

The Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation provides services leading to employment for people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Students can contact the BVR to see if they qualify for financial assistance for tuition, fees, books and supplies.

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
2173 North Ridge Road East, Suite E
Lorain, Ohio 44055
440-240-1060
www.state.oh.us/rsc

The Community Foundation of Greater Lorain County awards annual scholarships for post high school education.  Some scholarships have specific eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify. Visit the Community Foundation's website for detailed scholarship information.

Community Foundation of Lorain County
1865 North Ridge Road, Suite A
Lorain, OH 44055
440-277-0142
www.peoplewhocare.org

Students ages 19 and older are encouraged to contact the Cleveland Scholarship Program (CSP) to see if they qualify for any need based scholarships. The CSP helps adults returning to college by providing access to postsecondary education through academic and financial aid advising.

Cleveland Scholarship Program
200 Public Square, Suite 3820
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
216-241-5587 / 216-241-6184 (fax)
www.cspohio.org