Nebraska Community College Gap Assistance Program

Program Description:

The Community College Gap Assistance Program is administered by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education to address workforce shortages in specific occupations by providing financial aid to community college learners. Financial aid can be used for tuition, training costs, books, equipment, background check services, industry testing services, and general fees. Learners must be enrolled in programs that will lead to a credential in a variety of in-demand occupations such as financial services, precision metals manufacturing, renewable energy, health services, construction, education, and more.  

Impact:

The program has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, with a current total of 3,342 applicants to the program. As of 2025, the program serviced 374 programs across 13 identified in-demand occupations.  

In 2025, the program administered over $1.6 million in direct costs and administrative expenses, up from $300,000 in 2016. 86.5 percent of these funds are used to cover tuition costs.  

Population Served:  

The program provides funds for community college learners who are: (a) enrolled in credit or non-credit programs; (b) not eligible for Pell grants; and (c) studying in approved high-need fields. . Funds are distributed across the six community colleges of Nebraska for any learners who have a family income at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level.  

Learn more here.  

Page last updated in August 2026