Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Missouri’s Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) voted to expand the number of eligible programs for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant during its March 4 meeting. Fifteen new eligible program areas will be added to the Fast Track list for students enrolled beginning fall 2020.

Fast Track addresses workforce needs by providing grants to adult students as they pursue a certificate, degree, or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need.

On June 5, 2019, the CBHE approved the initial list of instructional program areas eligible for the Fast Track grant. By statute, the CBHE is required to review the list annually, leaving open the option to grow the program in subsequent years.

After the program’s implementation, the CBHE and the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development received requests from several state agencies, colleges, universities, legislators, and businesses to expand Fast Track’s scope to include additional instructional areas. The new program areas include biotechnology, criminal justice, social work, geography, special education, fire protection, and more. They will be added to the Fast Track eligible programs list for the 2020-21 academic year.  

“Expanding the number of Fast Track-eligible programs will give more adults the opportunity to pursue education and training,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “Fast Track is opening doors and providing valuable skills for adults. At the same time, it’s helping to fill the skills gap and contributing to Missouri’s economic growth.”

To see the full list of new program areas added to the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, visit dhewd.mo.gov/cbhe/boardbook/march2020.php. Learn more about the Fast Track Grant at mofasttrack.com.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.