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Applications for Route to Relief are now closed.

Route to Relief at Maricopa Community Colleges
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Due to the overwhelming interest in Route to Relief, this grant has reached capacity, and we are no longer accepting new applications.

 

If you have already applied, you will remain on our waitlist. If any additional funding becomes available, you will be notified in the order in which your application was received.

 

Route to Relief at Maricopa Community Colleges is offered in partnership with Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix and provides individuals with free tuition, monthly stipends, and employment assistance when enrolled in eligible programs across the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. This project is designed to assist individuals whose employment or household income was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The expectation is for students to complete short-term training certificates to re-enter the workforce or obtain a better work opportunity.

 

This project is provided with funding from Maricopa County.

 

This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to the City of Phoenix by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

What's included?

This project provides support to remove potential barriers that a student could face in an effort to help them gain an industry-recognized credential and receive employment assistance including:

• Career navigation services
• Streamlined admission and enrollment
• Up to $5,000 for tuition, books, and fees
• Up to $500 for training-related expenses
• Monthly stipends for the duration of the student’s educational program (up to 6 months)

o $1,500/month for students with a dependent that is 13 years old or younger
o $1,000/month for all other students

• Employment assistance

• Up to $500 for job search expenses upon successful completion

Funding subject to availability

 

To learn more, review the Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Who's eligible?

Maricopa County residents* eligible for in-state tuition who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic under one of the following circumstances since March 2020:

• Household income is reduced due to lost wages or reduced work hours
• Currently is or has been unemployed
• Qualified for unemployment or pandemic insurance benefits
• Laid off or furloughed from job
• Stopped working to care for a sick household member
• Loss of child or spousal support
• Stopped working to care for children home from school or daycare

 

*To learn more about residency, view the Regulations for Tuition Purposes.

 

Which programs are eligible?

 

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Listed below are programs across the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges that are eligible for Route to Relief funding. These are primarily Fast Track Certificates and short-term programs leading to industry-recognized credentials in high-demand areas. Students funded by Route to Relief must complete their academic program by August 2025. Courses and programs are subject to availability.
Applied Technology

The Applied Technology Field of Interest programs give you the hands-on skills you need to design, develop, or repair high-tech equipment and processes. After studying in these areas, you can often find work after completing introductory classes and expand your knowledge, skills, and education while earning a livable wage.

 

• Cable Harness Wiring
• CNC Machining
• Composites Technician
• Facilities Management
• J-Standard Soldering
• OSHA Safety Training
• Semiconductor

Behavioral Science and Human Services

If you are motivated to help people, serve your community, and improve the lives of those in need, consider the Behavioral Science and Human Services Field of Interest. Professionals in this field typically work with community members to identify problems and create and implement solutions.

 

• Peer Support Specialist

Computer and Information Technology

As technology evolves and data management systems become increasingly complex, the demand for highly skilled technology professionals continues to grow. Maricopa Community Colleges offers advanced laboratories, modern equipment, internships, and flexible and specialized classes through our Computer and Information Technology Field of Interest, where you will learn about computing hardware and software, web-based platforms, networks, telecommunications systems, and other innovative technology.

 

• Amazon Web Services Cloud
• Certified AWS Cloud Practitioner SysOps Administrator
• CompTIA Security +
• Software Developer

Health Sciences

If you want to help people live better, safer, healthier lives, consider the Health Sciences Field of Interest. Maricopa Community College’s Health Sciences degrees and certificates are designed to give you comprehensive training for health-related work in the hospital, healthcare, or exercise and fitness settings.

 

• Certified Risk Adjustment Coder
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Nurse Assistant
• Phlebotomy

To learn more about program requirements, visit the Maricopa Community Colleges Degrees and Certificates.

English as a Second Language (ESL), English Literacy, and High School Equivalency programs do not qualify for Route to Relief; however, we are available to refer you to a training partner for these services.

Due to the overwhelming interest in Route to Relief, this grant has reached capacity, and we are no longer accepting new applications.

 

You can explore additional funding options here.

Note: If you have already applied, you will remain on our waitlist. If any additional funding becomes available, you will be notified in the order in which your application was received.

10 Maricopa Community Colleges Logos

 

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

 

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: 480-731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.