NJ GIVS TO WOMEN AND MINORITIES

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What Is NJ-GIVS?

Earlier this week, at Burlington County Community College, Governor Chris Christie announcedthe Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women and Minorities (NJ-GIVS), a new statewide scholarship program for women and minority students pursuing non-degree certificate programs in construction-related fields. NJ-GIVS will pay up to $2,000 each year to women and minority students who reside in New Jersey for the cost of enrollment in a NJ-GIVS eligible certificate program at one of New Jersey’s 19 county colleges. The scholarships are renewable for one year after initial award.

How Does NJ-GIVS Work?

New Jersey’s Schools Development Authority (SDA) must set aside a portion of the value of all its construction contracts for training programs for women and minority group members. The NJ-GIVS scholarship will be funded with these mandated “set-aside” funds administered in partnership with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). After classes start, HESAA will send half of your total annual award to your college. This payment is made after HESAA receives confirmation of your enrollment. The second half of your annual award will be disbursed in the following term.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the NJ-GIVS Scholarship, the following criteria must be met:

• Recipient must be female or a member of a pre-defined minority group;
  • Male recipients will be required to prove they have registered with the Selective Service System.
• A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be filed according to state deadlines;
  • FAFSA information will be used to calculate a New Jersey Eligibility Index (NJEI) which determines financial eligibility for the scholarship. Students must have an NJEI below 10,500 to qualify;
• The scholarship is limited to United States citizens and eligible non-citizens who have received approval to remain in the Unites States on a permanent basis;
• New Jersey grants and scholarships are limited to New Jersey residents who have resided in the State for at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to receiving the award.

How Do You Apply?

More detailed information about NJ-GIVS including a fact sheet containing a list of eligible certificate programs, brochure and student application for academic year 2013-2014 will be available at all 19 county colleges shortly.

Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year are due October 1, 2013. Applications for the Spring 2014 semester are due March 1, 2014. All scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For More Information

For further information, please contact HESAA’s Customer Service Line by calling 609-584-4480, Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or visit www.hesaa.org.