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Fast Track
What is Fast Track?
Fast Track is a new financial aid program created by the state of Missouri to address workforce gaps by helping adults pursue additional education such as a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in an area identified as high need. The program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fee costs are fully covered. The award will be applied after accounting for other state and federal student aid programs. Those who have other aid that covers the full tuition and fee costs are eligible for an award of up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.
6 steps to get on the Fast Track at UCM*
1. Select an approved program below.
2. Submit your UCM application.
3. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. Create a state student financial aid portal login.
5. Complete the Fast Track application within the financial aid portal.
6. Read and finalize the self-certification form.
UCM Programs that are Included:
- Accountancy
- Advanced Vehicle Systems
- Agriculture Science
- Art
- Big Data and Business Analytics
- Career and Technical Education
- Career and Technology Teacher Education
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Design and Drafting Technology
- Educational Studies and Training
- Electronics Technology
- Elementary Education
- Environmental, Safety and Risk Management
- Finance
- Middle School/Junior High School
- Music Education
- Networking Technology
- Nursing
- Occupational Safety
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Occupational Safety, Accelerated
- Program and Community Partnerships in Early Childhood Education
- Radiologic Technology
- Robotics and Automation
- Secondary Education
- Software Engineering
- Systems Engineering Technology (collaboration with MCC and LSR7)
- Teaching in the Early Childhood Classroom
- Technology
- Technology Management
- Technology Management (2+2)
- Understanding the Child in Early Childhood Education
- Computer Information Systems (Lee's Summit)
- Occupational Safety, Accelerated (Lee's Summit)
- Software Engineering (Lee's Summit)
Who is Eligible?*
- Individuals who are 25 years or older or individuals who have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years can participate.
- The grant will serve students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and are planning to enroll at least half time in an eligible undergraduate program.
- Individuals who earn no more than $40,000 per year filing single, or not more than $80,000 per year filing jointly.
Grant Requirements*
- This grant may be renewed by meeting all of the initial requirements and by making satisfactory progress, which includes maintaining at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
- The grant requires that students graduate from an approved institution, maintain Missouri residency, achieve qualifying employment within 12 months of graduation, and maintain qualifying employment for at least three years.
- The grant will no longer convert to a loan that must be repaid if recipients fail to live and work in Missouri for three years after completing their program or apprenticeship. However, recipients are still required to report their employment and residency to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development for three years.
*Information source: Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. For more information, visit their website.
