Since I`ve been out of work since November I recently took a part time job that pretty much only covers my daycare expences. I didn`t realize they hours were low when I took the job. Anyway I`ve been really thinking of going back to school and I keep hearing about government grants to use for whatever you need. I`ve looked into it a bit but the only ones I can find want you to pay $3 or something to get the info which makes me think it`s a scam. Does anyone know of legit websites that either help you apply for the grants or tell you where to go to get them? The schooling I`m looking at is only 2 years which will go by faster than I realize but I`m going to need some financial help to do it. thanks guys.

Check with the state agency that handles unemployment programs. A few years back, I lost my job and the state had funds available for retraining. And they provided counseling on resume writing and job hunting and so on. They should know where the programs are. And they get paid to help you , so they want to sign you up for something and get you on their "body count" to justify their pay.

Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ , fill out the application. It is free.

Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ , fill out the application. It is free.

Do you have to show proof of enrollment first? I was going to sign up this week or next for the summer classes. Do they just send you a check to do whatever you want with or do you have to use it for specific things? What I need is assistance with daycare or rent while I go to school since I`m just going to stick with the part time job so that I can stay flexable for the classes.

They send the money to the school, then disburse it to you. The begin date for the year is September. You have to apply for a pin number first.

It's financial aid, which is what 95% of college students use to help them out. Usually the school takes their cut and you get what ever is left over, to use as you please. One year I bought a stereo system for my subaru, boy was that dumb.

You might get a grant, and you might not. All I ever qualified for was student loans, even when I had another brother in college at the same time.

They send the money to the school, then disburse it to you. The begin date for the year is September. You have to apply for a pin number first.

The classes I want start in June. It`s only $20 a unit but I heard there were grants available to cover child care or rent or whatever while you go to school. I guess I could look into student loans but my credit is shot.

You should go to the school's financial aid center and see if they have any information about that.

I don't think student loans factor in credit score, as long as you get the government originated ones. These are very flexible. You don't have to repay while you're in school and you can put them on forbearance even after you finish. Also there are lots of payment plans available.

If you are looking to start in June, it is not likely that the funds you qualify for will be available until close to the end of summer. The wheels of financial aid turn very slow.

If school is 2 years, fill out the fafsa. Grants beat student loans, besides you still need to fill out a fafsa for student loans.

You should go to the school's financial aid center and see if they have any information about that.

I don't think student loans factor in credit score, as long as you get the government originated ones. These are very flexible. You don't have to repay while you're in school and you can put them on forbearance even after you finish. Also there are lots of payment plans available.

If you are looking to start in June, it is not likely that the funds you qualify for will be available until close to the end of summer. The wheels of financial aid turn very slow.

I hear you. I`m just not getting any younger and I`ve always made excuses as to why I couldn`t do it before. It`s time I just do it. 2 yearswill go by fast. I might be able to get by if I can get enough side work but that has just about dried up with the economy which is why I took the part time job. If I could work steady from the garage it would be great.

If school is 2 years, fill out the fafsa. Grants beat student loans, besides you still need to fill out a fafsa for student loans.

I`m going to go in sometime this week and get things in motion. It`s time and I`m ready for a better career path.

I`m going to go in sometime this week and get things in motion. It`s time and I`m ready for a better career path.

Right on, I did the same thing. I only wanted a A.S., then decided after that I might as well as get my B.S. Haven't decided if I want an MBA yet.:yes:

Right on, I did the same thing. I only wanted a A.S., then decided after that I might as well as get my B.S. Haven't decided if I want an MBA yet.:yes:

I`m going to go for the HVAC classes. It`s not a degree program but there are certificates. I talked to the guy who actually teaches it over the weekend and he said the program is very well known in the industry and there isn`t another like it in the area. He also said alot of students get jobs before they even graduate. The work during the day but the deal is they have to finish the school to keep their job. He said the pay was very good. The start out pay is moe than I made as a 7 year Harley Davidson mechanic and I was the 3rd highest paid tech at my last dealership. My industry pretty much doesn`t exsist in my area anymore and I`ve wanted to get into HVAC for a while so I figured now is as good a time as any.

I`m going to go for the HVAC classes. It`s not a degree program but there are certificates. I talked to the guy who actually teaches it over the weekend and he said the program is very well known in the industry and there isn`t another like it in the area. He also said alot of students get jobs before they even graduate. The work during the day but the deal is they have to finish the school to keep their job. He said the pay was very good. The start out pay is moe than I made as a 7 year Harley Davidson mechanic and I was the 3rd highest paid tech at my last dealership. My industry pretty much doesn`t exsist in my area anymore and I`ve wanted to get into HVAC for a while so I figured now is as good a time as any.

My buddy owns a HVAC company, he is loaded. I think after 4yrs exp, you can get a license and start your own company.

I think that you would be able to find work after the first few months.

My buddy owns a HVAC company, he is loaded. I think after 4yrs exp, you can get a license and start your own company.

I think that you would be able to find work after the first few months.

My buddy has one too and he`s doing pretty good as well. I need some security for my wife and kids and thisseems to be a pretty secure industry. You always need heating and air no matter what the economy is like.

My cousin had dyslexia, and barely graduated HS... He went to a trade school, learned HVAC, and then got hired at a company that also did plumbing... So he learned plumbing, and then started doing other things, and now has his General contractors license...

Sounds like a solid plan for the family... I went back to school and had to put all my Chevelle projects on hold for years, but now I look back and its the best thing I ever did, only wish I would have done it sooner...

Its been a few years, but when I was in junior/community college, I got what was called CalGrants... I actually recieved the money to do with what I chose (IIRC)... But after tuition and books, not alot left...

IF you are truly dedicated to school and smart with the funds, then loans aren't bad... But you should be able to get some grants (except the state is broke)...

So where are you planning on going? I have a coworker that is taking HVAC classes at City College...

My cousin had dyslexia, and barely graduated HS... He went to a trade school, learned HVAC, and then got hired at a company that also did plumbing... So he learned plumbing, and then started doing other things, and now has his General contractors license...

Sounds like a solid plan for the family... I went back to school and had to put all my Chevelle projects on hold for years, but now I look back and its the best thing I ever did, only wish I would have done it sooner...

Its been a few years, but when I was in junior/community college, I got what was called CalGrants... I actually recieved the money to do with what I chose (IIRC)... But after tuition and books, not alot left...

IF you are truly dedicated to school and smart with the funds, then loans aren't bad... But you should be able to get some grants (except the state is broke)...

So where are you planning on going? I have a coworker that is taking HVAC classes at City College...


I actually just finish filling out my application online. I`m taking the classes at Sac. City College. Is that the same one your co worker is going to? I was told it was a 2 year deal and thats ok by me. I don`t have any projects currently and couldn`t afford any if I did. At this point in my life I have no choice but to move forward with my education for myself and my family.

Congrats on getting the ball rolling, and good luck.

Congrats on getting the ball rolling, and good luck.

Thanks. I`m actually looking forward to it.

Im planning to change careers and get into the HVAC industry as well. So this kind of hits home with me as well.