Grants Program

NATIONAL NEEDS BASED GRANTS PROGRAM

This program is designed to support need-based students in completing professional certification by providing funding for relevant educational training or exams. It also covers vocational education from a community college but does not cover training from a for-profit training center. These grants will only be awarded to individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree or an associate diploma in the relevant field.

Selected grant awardees will receive a financial grant between $250 to $1000 dollars depending on the Jama’ats annual fiscal budget.

The following are some examples of such certifications:

  • Certified Surgical Technologist, Project Management Professional, Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Information Security Manager, Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Compensation Professional etc.
  • IT and Tech Bootcamps: For programming, cybersecurity, data analysis, or other tech-related fields.
  • Educational diploma after completing a minimum of high school diploma.

The following examples will not qualify since they are not in purview of National Talim Department:

  • Language and Professional Development Courses (For improving skills that can lead to better job opportunities or career advancement).
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures (For starting small businesses, which might include funding for equipment, marketing, or initial operating expenses).
  • Costs associated with licensing or exam fees, which are separate from the educational component of such training. Our financial assistance program does not cover the costs associated with obtaining these licenses or certifications. This includes fees for exams, prep courses to prepare for such exams, application fees, and any related expenses.
  • Personal expenses such as books, lab equipment, art supplies, materials or retrospective educational expenses.
  • Apprenticeships: In fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry, where hands-on training is required.

ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL EDUCATION GRANT

  1. Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (green card holder), or asylum applicant.
  2. Must be a member of the U.S. Jamaat in good standing.
  3. Must demonstrate financial need.
  4. Must be unemployed OR provide rationale explaining why current employment cannot cover their certification costs
  5. Must be enrolled/accepted into an education program or provide evidence of a passing certificate Funds will be approved based on enrollment but released after passing/obtaining certificate.
  6. Must have completed high school diploma

NON-ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL EDUCATION GRANT

  1. Students with disciplinary action taken against them by the Jama’at.
  2. Applicants for whom the Jamaat President issues a recommendation against the applicant.
  3. Students who are unable to provide acceptable documentation of their enrollment.
  4. License or certification renewals of any type
  5. Proof of application submissions or payment receipts that are more than six months old.
  6. Failure to attempt at obtaining a certification will result in retraction of grant to recipient.
  7. Certification that does not compliment student’s educational history.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Each applicant must submit:

  1. A copy of their diploma/degree of the highest education level they currently have.
  2. A resume showing previous education and/or job experience
  3. Proof of admission in their current, intended course
    • OR professional certificate acquired, and fees paid.
  4. A personal statement of ~500 to 1000 words demonstrating why the student qualifies for the grant

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: If I am a full-time student, do I qualify to certification grants?
Answer: No. This program is solely for unemployed members of jamaat who wish to obtain gainful employment.

Question: Do I have to pay this grant back? Is this a loan?
Answer: No. This is a onetime, non-repayable grant to assist members without higher education become competitive in a job market.

Question: How will I qualify if I will only have a proof of certificate after I have passed the exam?
Answer: This program can reimburse your registration fees in a professional certification program after you have passed the exam.

Question: What type of training program qualifies?
Answer: Only accredited institutes for vocational training or reputed educational certification programs.

Question: I want to do a beautician course through a private training program, do I qualify for the grant?
Answer: No, only accredited colleges qualify and only certificates related to your prior education can qualify.

Question: How much grant will I receive?
Answer: Grant funds will be determined annually. Grant values can vary between $250-$1000.

Question: Can I apply multiple times?
Answer: Applicants can apply once a year.

Type Activity Description External Date
Paama Policy/Process Messaging to local secretaries (Announce all applications Open/Close dates)
Open application portal 3/11/2025
Close application portal 6/30/2025
Collect President’s feedback
Decisions emailed to applicants 6/30/2025
Checks Issued by Accounting (Muhasib)
Grants Opened year round 06/30/2025
Open application portal
Collect Presidents’ feedback
Review applications
Checks Issued by Accounting

Last updated on 10 December 2024