Grant Will Assist Students Credits Away from Graduating with Re-Enrollment, Technology Needs

Last Updated on April 20, 2021 at 12:00 AM

Originally published April 20, 2021

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

Students who left The University of Texas at El Paso a year away from graduating can get help with re-enrollment costs and technology needs to complete their degrees, thanks to an award from the U.S. Department of Education.

The University of Texas at El Paso will assist students who are near completion of their degrees with re-enrollment costs and technology needs for online learning thanks to a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Texas Reskilling Grant program. Photo: J.R. Hernandez / UTEP Communications

The one-year effort is led by UTEP’s Academic Advising Center and Student Success Help Desk, which received $300,000 as part of the Texas Reskilling Grant program, an initiative that provides support to students whose educational pathways have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reskilling grants, a byproduct of the CARES Act, allow institutions to aid in the continuation of students’ education and economic recovery by providing financial assistance with tuition and fees for Texas students. The grants support students re-enrolling to pursue degrees and who are within a year of completing requirements for the degree.

Heather Smith, Ph.D., associate vice president for advising and student services, said the reskilling grant demonstrates a generous commitment from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to assist UTEP students who are near completion of their degrees.

“Success in the workforce depends on specifically calibrated skills, but also relies on capabilities like critical and creative thinking developed through postsecondary education,” Smith said. “We are excited for the opportunity to provide our students financial assistance to complete their degrees.”

Qualifying students are within one year of completing their degree or credentials in the summer or fall of 2021. It is important that students submit a FAFSA application as this will help determine eligibility. Organizers hope to assist up to 200 students.

If you are a Texas resident and had to stop out of college within the last academic year for financial reasons related to COVID-19 and were within a year of graduating, please contact the Student Success Help Desk at studentsuccess@utep.edu or visit www.utep.edu/advising.