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91���� Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) Scholarship

The NWRI application is closed.

What is the 91���� Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) Scholarship?

91���� in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) is pleased to announce the availability of the Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to aid in training unemployed and underemployed Nebraskans impacted by COVID-19 in skill sets that lead to employment in current and future high-demand careers. The average scholarship will be approximately $1,100 and will be exclusively used to cover a portion of tuition and fees related to the specific eligible training. An additional $350 may be awarded for required books, tools and other student-provided class materials.

How do I know if I am eligible for the 91���� Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) Scholarship?

To be eligible for the 91���� Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) Scholarship you must meet the following guidelines:

• Must be a Nebraska resident
• Must have a registered Social Security number or permanent resident card
• Must be able to provide documentation if receiving unemployment insurance benefits
• Must be able to commit to the time frame of a decided training program
• Must be willing to accept full-time gainful employment at the conclusion of training program
• Must have employment affected by COVID-19 related to ONE of the below categories:
  • Unemployed on or after March 13, 2020 as a result of COVID-19;
  • Unemployed starting between January 1, 2020, and March 13, 2020, and are now unable to find employment as a result of COVID-19;
  • Employed for less than 40 hours a week at a job which provides the majority of their income (primary job) because of COVID-19 and wish to be employed full time
  • Employed temporarily at their primary job because of COVID-19 but wish to be employed permanently
  • Furloughed or laid off from a primary job on or after March 13, 2020, because of COVID-19 (or had to close your own business, which provided the majority of your income, because of COVID-19) and are now employed at a new primary job with lower wages than your previous employment.

What programs can I enroll in with the 91���� Nebraska Workforce Retraining Initiative (NWRI) Scholarship?

There are many programs you can enroll in. Before you choose, you will meet with a career coach to determine the best program for you.

Short-term training programs are non-credit courses that lead to industry recognized certifications and knowledge. Typically, short-term training programs are specific to an industry and take anywhere from two weeks to nine months to complete. Individuals can also use the scholarship to kick-start their education towards a certificate leading to an associate degree at 91����. For instance, you can begin taking welding courses with the scholarship and work towards earning a Certificate of Achievement and later an associate degree in Welding Technology. The main goal of recipients receiving the scholarship is that they gain education, skills and tools to re-enter the workforce or up-skill in the workforce into sustainable, gainful full-time employment.