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Apply for Your Grants

Choose your grants, pick your path, and submit — all right here. We handle the paperwork.

Which grants do you want to apply for?

Select all that apply. We submit to every grant you choose — at no cost to you.

How do you want to proceed?

Choose the path that fits your situation. Advisor support is always available.

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Guided by an Advisor
⏱ We contact you within 1–2 business days
A SkillGrants advisor walks you through every step — from verifying eligibility to submitting your final application. Best for first-timers.
Personal advisor Document review Highest approval rate
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Self-Paced (with Support)
⏱ Start right away, get help when you need it
Follow a step-by-step checklist at your own speed. Email support available whenever you have questions.
Go at your own pace Email support Step-by-step guide
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Fast-Track (I've done this before)
⏱ Application submitted today
Already have your documents ready? We submit immediately. For repeat applicants or experienced grant seekers.
Submit today No wait time Documents ready

Tell us about yourself

Used to match you with the right grants and programs. Kept private and secure.

Which training programs interest you?

Select any programs you'd like to enroll in. Your advisor will confirm which are covered by your grants.

Review Your Application

Everything look right? Hit submit and we'll get to work on your grants.

Estimated Total Funding
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Grants Selected
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Journey
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📋 By submitting, you authorize SkillGrants to contact you about your eligibility for the selected grant programs. We never sell your information. Funding amounts are estimates subject to eligibility verification.
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Application Submitted!

You're on your way. Our team is reviewing your eligibility and will reach out within 1–2 business days.

Your Application Reference
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📎 Start Gathering These Documents

    Track My Application → Explore More Grants
    0% done

    Ready to start?

    Check off items as you complete them. Most applicants finish the process in 2–4 weeks.

    0 of 6 steps started
    1
    Confirm Your Eligibility
    Verify you qualify before applying — takes 5 minutes
    Required ▾

    Before gathering documents, confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements for WIOA Title I funding — the primary grant source for most SkillGrants users.

    ℹ️

    Good news: Most adults qualify for at least one program. WIOA serves displaced workers, low-income adults, veterans, ex-offenders, people with disabilities, and adults without a high school diploma.

    I am 18 years or older WIOA adult services are for adults 18+. Youth programs (14–24) have separate pathways.
    I am a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and certain visa holders are eligible.
    I meet at least one of the following criteria: Unemployed or underemployed · Low household income · Displaced worker (laid off) · Veteran or military spouse · Person with a disability · Ex-offender re-entering the workforce
    I want to enter or advance in a high-demand career field Healthcare, IT, Trades, Transportation, Childcare, or Business Administration all qualify.
    💡

    Tip: If you're unsure, apply anyway. American Job Centers (AJC) are required to screen every applicant — they'll tell you exactly what you qualify for at no cost.

    ✓ Take the Full Eligibility Quiz Find your AJC →
    2
    Gather Your Documents
    Collect these before your AJC appointment
    Required ▾

    Having all your documents ready before your American Job Center appointment will speed up your approval significantly. Here's exactly what you'll need.

    🪪 Identity & Residency

    Government-issued photo ID Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID
    Social Security Card or proof of SSN Required for WIOA and Pell Grant applications
    Proof of state residency Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement with your current address
    Work authorization (if applicable) Green card, EAD card, or visa documentation for non-citizens

    💰 Income & Employment

    Proof of income (last 3–6 months) Pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns (Form 1040 or W-2)
    Layoff / separation documentation (if applicable) WARN notice, layoff letter, or Rapid Response notification
    Unemployment benefit documentation (if receiving) Your unemployment claim confirmation or benefits letter

    🎓 Education & Military

    High school diploma, GED, or transcripts Required for Pell Grant. WIOA can fund GED completion if you don't have one.
    Military discharge papers DD-214 (veterans only) Unlocks veterans' priority of service for faster processing and additional grants
    📁

    Pro tip: Make copies of everything and put them in a folder before your appointment. Many AJCs also accept scanned documents sent by email — call ahead to confirm.

    3
    Find & Visit Your American Job Center
    Your local AJC is your gateway to WIOA funding
    Required for WIOA ▾

    American Job Centers (AJCs) — also called CareerSource, WorkSource, or One-Stop Career Centers depending on your state — are federally funded offices that administer WIOA Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). Your appointment here is the key step for WIOA funding.

    Locate your nearest AJC Use the CareerOneStop locator to find the office nearest to you
    Call or go online to schedule an intake appointment Most offices offer walk-ins Monday–Friday. Some offer virtual appointments.
    Attend your intake appointment with all documents from Step 2 A case manager will assess your eligibility, discuss your goals, and determine your funding amount
    Request an Individual Training Account (ITA) Ask specifically for an ITA — this is the voucher that pays for your training program
    Ask about co-enrollment in TAA (if you were laid off due to trade/outsourcing) TAA + WIOA together can fund up to 2 years of full-time training
    📍

    What to say: "I'm interested in workforce training and would like to apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA) under WIOA Title I." This will get you to the right person immediately.

    📍 Find My Nearest AJC WIOA Overview →
    4
    Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA / Pell)
    Takes 30 minutes — unlocks up to $7,395/yr in free money
    Recommended ▾

    As of July 1, 2026, the Workforce Pell Grant now covers short-term vocational programs (150+ clock hours). If your program qualifies, this is free money on top of any WIOA funding you receive — apply even if you've never attended college.

    Create a StudentAid.gov account Go to studentaid.gov and create a free FSA ID — you'll need your SSN and email
    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Fill out at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Takes 20–30 minutes.
    Add your chosen training school's code to the FAFSA You'll enter the school's Federal School Code so they receive your Student Aid Report (SAR)
    Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) once received Check for errors and confirm your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
    Accept your Pell Grant offer through the school's financial aid portal You do NOT need to repay the Pell Grant — it's a grant, not a loan
    💡

    Pell + WIOA stack: Many students receive both. WIOA covers what Pell doesn't — meaning your out-of-pocket cost could be $0. Always apply for both.

    📝 Start FAFSA Application About Pell Grants →
    5
    Choose Your Training Program
    Select an Eligible Training Provider (ETP) your ITA can pay for
    Required ▾

    Once you have your ITA, you can choose any program on your state's Eligible Training Provider (ETP) list. This is where SkillGrants' Program Match Finder helps — every program we list is WIOA-eligible.

    Browse the SkillGrants Program Match Finder Filter by your state, sector, and schedule to find programs that fit you
    Confirm your chosen program is on your state's ETP list Ask your AJC case manager or check your state's workforce agency website
    Contact the training provider to confirm enrollment availability Check start dates, class times, and any prerequisites
    Notify your AJC case manager of your program choice They'll authorize the ITA payment directly to the provider — you won't pay out of pocket
    Ask about state-specific supplemental grants Your state may have additional funding (Ohio TechCred, VA New Economy Grant, etc.) — check the SkillGrants State Grant Finder
    🎓 Browse Programs Find State Grants →
    6
    Enroll & Start Training
    You're funded — now show up and change your career
    Final Step ▾

    Congratulations — if you've completed Steps 1–5, your funding is in place. Here's what to do on enrollment day and beyond to set yourself up for success.

    Complete official enrollment at the training provider Bring your ITA authorization letter and any required enrollment forms
    Confirm ITA payment has been processed between AJC and provider Ask the provider's financial aid office to confirm they've received the ITA authorization
    Keep your AJC case manager updated on your progress Regular check-ins are often required to maintain funding — usually monthly
    Ask about supportive services (transportation, childcare, tools) WIOA can also fund costs like bus passes, childcare, uniforms, and textbooks in many states
    Connect with the provider's job placement team Start building relationships with hiring partners before you graduate
    🎉

    You're on your way. The average SkillGrants participant is employed in their new field within 90 days of program completion. Stay in touch — we'll check in with you throughout your training.

    💰 Your Funding Stack

    Estimated based on typical eligibility

    WIOA Title I (ITA) Up to $10,000
    Workforce Pell Grant Up to $7,395
    Trade Adjustment Assistance Up to $10,000
    State Supplemental Grants Up to $5,000
    Total possible funding $32,000+
    Find My State Grants →

    Quick Links

    📍 Find My AJC 📝 Start FAFSA 🎓 Browse Programs 💵 State Grant Finder 🧭 Career Quiz ⚖️ TAA Program Info

    Get Your Full Application Guide

    We'll email you a step-by-step PDF checklist plus the contact info for your nearest American Job Center — personalized to your state.

    ✅ Sent! Check your inbox for your personalized application guide.