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Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund

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Governor Northam’s GEER Fund provides last-dollar scholarships for dislocated workers who enroll in stackable credential programs that lead to jobs in targeted industry sectors.

The GEER Fund

The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund provides dislocated workers in certain stackable credential programs last-dollar scholarships up to tuition, fees, and a $500 book allowance if those costs are not covered by other aid specifically designated for tuition, fees, and/or books.  Students who receive federal grants like Pell and FSEOG can potentially receive a GEER award since those federal grants can cover indirect costs like room and board. 

We Want to Help You Get Back to Work

Review the eligibility requirements listed below and then complete the GEER Scholarship Application if you think you may qualify.  A NOVA financial aid staff member will review your application and will contact you if necessary.  GEER funds are available beginning in the Spring 2021 term.

Eligibility

To qualify for GEER funds for high-demand education programs at NOVA, you must:

  • Be a dislocated worker as defined on the GEER Scholarship Application and provide required documentation of that status.  
  • Enroll in one of the eligible stackable credential programs listed below.
  • Take 6 or more eligible credits in an eligible program each term.
  • Apply for financial aid at NOVA each aid year by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete any requested items on your NOVAConnect To Do List.
  • Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) derived from your FAFSA of $12,000 or less. Note that you may submit an income appeal if the financial information reported on your FAFSA no longer reflects your current financial situation.
  • Be eligible for Federal Student Aid (Title IV eligible).
  • Be a Virginia domiciliary resident.

*Please note the following individuals are not eligible for GEER funds:

  • Individuals who resigned from full-time employment to care for sick relatives or stay home with school-age children. (Such individuals may be eligible for other financial assistance.)
  • DACA and dual enrollment students.
  • Due to competitive admission into Medical Education programs, only students admitted to those programs will be eligible for GEER funds. All FastForward healthcare programs shown below are eligible for GEER funds and are available to new students. 

Next Steps

If you meet the requirements above, apply for GEER funds by completing the following steps:

  • Review and submit the GEER Scholarship Application with the required dislocated worker documentation.
  • Review your academic Advisement Report to determine which classes you still need to take to complete one of the eligible programs listed below. If you would like to change your program of study or if you have other questions about which classes to take, please contact Virtual Advising. 
  • Enroll in 6 or more eligible credits.
  • If you have not already done so, apply for financial aid at NOVA and complete any requested items on your NOVAConnect To Do List.

Eligible Programs

Associate of Applied Science

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