<p>I know that there are a lot of people who actually work in the Financial Aid area on CC and thought I might find some more information out here. In my search on a different financial aid topic, I came across some information which appeared to say that if a student already has a BA and enrolls in a program that allows you to obtain teacher certification, but not a advanced degree, in other words a Post-Bac or Alternative Certification program it was possible to receive Pell Grant funding for the length of the program. </p>
<p>Upon further research it looks like it does actually exist. It is under the Transition to Teaching section of the Amended 1998 Higher Education Act. There are of course a number of prerequisites/qualifications, most of which are easily attainable, however there is one requirement; the one I starred (which they had in bold), which knocks out a lot of programs. In fact the explanatory information says it mostly applies to program which are the norm in California, but will apply to any program around the nation that also meets the requirement. </p>
<p><<< The student meets financial eligibility requirements, which depends on his or her (EFC)
and cost of attendance;
The program consists of the courses required by a state to receive a professional
certification or licensing credential necessary for employment as a teacher in an
elementary or secondary school in that state;
The program is offered by an accredited institution of higher education or an
accredited postsecondary vocational education institution;
The program does not lead to a graduate degree;</p>
<p>***The school offering the program does not also offer a bachelor’s degree in education;</p>
<pre><code> The student is pursing an initial teacher certification or licensing credential within a
state;
The program is a post-baccalaureate program; and
The student is enrolled at least half-time (generally considered to be at least six
credit hours).
</code></pre>
<p>In Texas, we have state approved and accredited programs that offer alternative teacher certification programs. When I read the criteria, it seems to me that these programs would qualify, but when I check the websites of the programs themselves, I find no mention of using a Pell grant. They could be lumping it under the Federal Financial aid I guess, but colleges tend to break out FA types, and I would think these programs would do the same. I haven’t called, which would be what I would do if we were actually considering this option, but was wondering if anyone on the forum had any insight or knowledge of this particular portion of the Pell Grant Regs?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>