Financial Aid
GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS
Financial aid is available for tribal citizens needing assistance to pay tuition and testing fees. These grants may be used for a variety of occupational or technical trades.
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The Fort Smith (and Van Buren) Adult Education centers are part of the WAGE™ program, which is a job readiness program for adults who are unemployed or underemployed. WAGE™ focuses on improving basic academic skills while also providing workforce training and preparation activities. Participants can earn Level I and Level II WAGE™ Certificates by completing each module's requirements.
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The Western Arkansas Planning and Development District (WAPDD) plays a key role in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in Western Arkansas. The WIOA is a law that helps job seekers find employment, support services and provides grants for education and training. *WIOA is also available for Oklahoma residents
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services provides a variety of FREE training and career preparation programs for qualifying Arkansas residents.
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This program enables Choctaw Nation tribal members to obtain recognized certifications needed to enter careers and/or advance existing careers that are self-sustaining and contribute to personal financial security, healthy lifestyles and the enhancement of the regional, state and national economy.
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The purpose of this scholarship is for workforce training in high-demand areas of welding, healthcare, industry and more. Available in the fall of 2026.
Scholorships
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American Welding Society Welder Training Scholarship - for students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length, deadline is November 30th
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ELIGIBLITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Employed in an agricultural job within the last 2 years with low income.
If you are a spouse or dependent of seasonal farmworker you might be eligible.
Student loan option
Student loan
AREF was created as a private, nonprofit entity with the sole purpose of making affordable loans to rural Arkansans. Since that time, AREF has helped thousands of Arkansans attain higher education to pursue their dreams
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