Financial Aid
Financial aid shouldn’t be confusing. Learn what you may qualify for and how we can help make your program more affordable.
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money or support that helps cover the cost of your training so you don’t have to pay everything out of pocket. Mission Career College partners with state, county, and community organizations that may be able to sponsor all or part of your tuition, fees, and sometimes books or supplies for eligible students.
Our team will help connect you with the right funding partner, explain what you may qualify for, and guide you through the next steps to apply.
How Does Financial Aid Work at Mission Career College?
At Mission Career College, financial aid typically comes through partner agencies that may sponsor your tuition if you qualify. Most students work with a caseworker or counselor through a partner such as CalWORKs, WIOA, or another community organization.
Your main step is to review the funding partners listed below and connect with the ones that match your situation. For example, if you already receive CalWORKs benefits, are working with WIOA, Vocational Rehabilitation, or another community agency. Each partner has its own application or referral process, eligibility rules, and timelines. Once a partner approves funding for your training, they coordinate directly with MCC to set up payment and confirm your start.
CalWorks
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is a state program that provides cash aid and support services to eligible low-income families. In many counties, CalWORKs can also help pay for approved job training programs so you can build skills and move into higher-wage careers.
To explore this option, contact your CalWORKs caseworker or local county social services office and ask whether vocational training at Mission Career College can be funded through CalWORKs. They will explain their requirements, help you complete any paperwork, and let you know if your training can be sponsored. Once funding is approved, your CalWORKs office will coordinate payment arrangements directly with the college
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
WIOA is a federal job-training program that provides funding for eligible adults, dislocated workers, and young adults to upgrade their skills and prepare for in-demand careers. In California, WIOA services and training funds are managed through local workforce boards and America’s Job Center of California (AJCC)
To explore WIOA support for training at Mission Career College, you must contact your local America’s Job Center or workforce development office and ask about WIOA-funded training services. They will explain eligibility, help you complete any required assessments and paperwork, and let you know whether a Mission Career College program can be included in your Individual Employment Plan. Once funding is approved, your WIOA agency will coordinate payment directly with the college.
Goodwill
Goodwill operates community-based workforce and career development programs that support individuals seeking job training, employment preparation, and pathways into the workforce
To explore whether Goodwill can support your training at Mission Career College, you must contact your local Goodwill career center and ask about available workforce or training assistance programs. Their staff will review your situation, explain their eligibility requirements, and let you know whether they can sponsor vocational training with MCC directly or through one of their partner agencies.
ETP - Employment Training Panel
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a California state program that funds job-training to help workers gain new skills and support employers in developing a more qualified workforce.
To explore whether you may qualify for ETP-supported training at Mission Career College, you must work with your referring agency or vocational counselor and ask whether ETP-funded training is available for your situation. They will determine your eligibility, guide you through any required steps, and confirm whether MCC can be included as an approved training provider through their ETP allocation. If training is approved, the partnering agency will coordinate payment or reimbursement arrangements directly with the college.
SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area)
SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) is a statewide system in California that supports students with disabilities by coordinating special education services across local school districts. Some SELPAs and their partner agencies may offer transition-to-work or vocational training support for eligible students who have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) or documented disability.
To explore whether SELPA can support your enrollment at Mission Career College, you must contact the SELPA office for your school district or county. They will review your eligibility, explain what transition or vocational services they can offer, and determine whether training at MCC can be supported through their programs.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), often referred to as Vocational Rehabilitation or “Voc Rehab,” provides employment and training services for individuals with disabilities who want to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.
To explore whether Vocational Rehabilitation can support your enrollment at Mission Career College, you must contact your local DOR office and request an intake appointment. A DOR counselor will review your documentation, explain their eligibility requirements, and determine whether MCC can be included in your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). If training is approved, DOR will coordinate payment or service arrangements directly with the college.
El Proyecto del Barrio
El Proyecto del Barrio is a community-based organization that provides employment, training, youth services, and supportive programs for individuals seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. Depending on eligibility and available funding, El Proyecto del Barrio may sponsor approved vocational training programs or connect students with workforce funds provided through WIOA or other partner agencies.
If you qualify, El Proyecto del Barrio may assist with tuition support, job-readiness services, case management, or referrals to training programs that help you build skills for in-demand careers. To explore whether El Proyecto del Barrio can support your enrollment at Mission Career College, you must contact one of their Workforce or YouthSource Centers and ask about available training assistance programs. Their team will explain all requirements, help you determine your eligibility, and let you know whether MCC can be included in your training or employment plan. If approved, El Proyecto del Barrio or the partnering agency will coordinate payment arrangements directly with the college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mission Career College works with outside funding partners such as CalWORKs, WIOA, Goodwill, Vocational Rehabilitation (DOR), ETP-funded agencies, SELPA, and El Proyecto del Barrio. These agencies decide who qualifies for aid and what they will fund. MCC does not determine eligibility or award amounts.
No. MCC is not a FAFSA-participating institution. All financial support comes through county, state, or community partner agencies.
Each funding partner has its own eligibility rules. You must contact the partner agency directly to see if you qualify. MCC cannot determine eligibility but provides links to help you reach the correct agency.
Once your funding partner approves your training, they will send authorization or a training agreement directly to MCC. After that, MCC will confirm your start date.
Often yes. If you already receive CalWORKs, WIOA, Voc Rehab, or SELPA services, you can ask your caseworker whether vocational training at Mission Career College can be added to your plan.
No. Funding decisions, amounts, and timelines are determined by the agency. They may approve all, part, or none of the costs.
Disclaimer: Mission Career College does not participate in federal Title IV financial aid programs (FAFSA Pell Grants or federal student loans). All funding listed on this page is provided by external partner agencies. Approval for assistance is not guaranteed. Each agency has its own eligibility rules and determines all funding decisions independently.