Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School is honored to be part of a group of education institutions helping students finish their college education through the Bucks County (Pa.) Aim & Attain Near Completer Grant.

Through the grant awarded to the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development, eligible individuals who left a higher education study program between 2021 and 2023 can apply to continue and complete their program and attain a degree or certificate at no cost. This may include additional financial support for those who are experiencing a barrier to returning to their chosen program.

“Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School is extremely pleased to be an educational institution partnering with Bucks County’s Aim & Attain Near Completer Grant,” said LBC | Capital Vice President for Institutional Alignment Rev. Zachary Ritvalsky. “Several students are in the enrollment process at LBC, and we are excited to see them cross the finish line to not only make educational strides in their own life but also to be ‘on mission’ with Lancaster Bible College as we ‘educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.’”

Those eligible for the grant program include Pennsylvania residents who began a postsecondary educational or training program and exited after June 1, 2021, before obtaining an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or certificate. The program is open to unemployed individuals as well as currently employed individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge in their current field or gain skills to transition to a different field.

Sandra (’24), an LBC | Capital Human Services student from Drexel Hill, Pa., has returned to school as part of the grant.

“Receiving this grant reminds me of the goodness of God!” Sandra said. “The ability to finish school and not have to pay back the tuition is such a blessing and was not on my radar. I had believed being a single parent and a new adoptive mom that it didn’t make sense financially to continue school now. This opens possibilities for future dreams to happen. This means I can further my education to a higher level. This also means I will have more work opportunities. God is able to do more than I can think or ask!”

Likewise, Shernelody (’20 & ’24), who earned her associate degree in Biblical Studies from LBC | Capital and is also working toward a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, says the grant program is a chance for change.

“What it means to me receiving the Near Completer Grant is symbolic to a fresh start,” Shernelody said. “Because of the hardship I had to endure, it is refreshing to know that I have another chance to continue onto my journey of becoming an academic achiever. There were a few personal setbacks I had encountered. Nevertheless, the grant is a demonstration of God’s voice speaking into my life and it states, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are not your setbacks because My Name is Victory!’ Amen!”

Dr. Tanya Solomon, Site Director for LBC | Capital – Philadelphia, said these two hardworking students represent so many others like them. Solomon shared that both women are mothers raising children largely on their own, and both stopped school because of scheduling and financial concerns.

“The Aim & Attain Near Completer Grant is like an answer to prayer!” Solomon said. “They are truly grateful for this opportunity. This grant will allow them to get the financial assistance and childcare that will help them finish their degree programs and realize their dreams.”

Students applying to the Aim & Attain grant program must also have maintained at least a 2.0 GPA or a passing grade in a training program prior to their college exit; be able to complete a certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree program by June 30, 2024; attend a Pennsylvania post-secondary institution, either in person or online; meet the institution’s established program admission requirements; and intend to become employed within 12 months of education program completion if currently unemployed. Students may also be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Benefits for students awarded the grant include free tuition, books and educational supplies; mentorship, tutorial services and technology resources; meetings with career services specialists; and connections with staff and resources to assist with job placement for in-demand careers.

Besides Lancaster Bible College, participating schools are Bucks County Community College, Delaware Valley University, Holy Family University and Pennco Technical School.

For more information or to apply for the grant, click here.