Orange County Public Schools: Career & Technical Education

You must complete the necessary forms in the Financial Aid Office.  Once enrolled in an approved program by the State Approving Agency then the VA Certifying Official will certify your enrollment after your first day of class and it will take a minimum of four to eight weeks to activate your VA benefits.  

Federal Pell Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, Florida Work Experience Program, Florida Bright Future scholarships, Student Financial Assistance Fund (SFAF), school and community scholarships and Installment Plans.

It is recommended that your financial aid file be completed a minimum of two weeks prior to the anticipated enrollment date. 

You will need to complete the 2011-2012 Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form using your 2010 tax return and W2’s and/or 2010 untaxed income (unemployment, child support, etc.). Complete the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or visit the Financial Aid Office at one of the Tech Center to pick up a 2011-2012 FASFA worksheet. Appropriate signature(s) are required for processing.

Yes, if you have children for whom you provide 50% or more support, are married, are a ward of the court or have been in the military then you can use your own income and your spouse’s income if married.

Whether or not you live with your parents, if you are under 24 years old, your parents must complete the parent’s income information on the FAFSA form with their 2010 tax return and W2’s and/or 2010 untaxed income (unemployment, child support, etc.).  You and your parent’s signatures are required for processing.

Mid Florida Tech (016875) Westside Tech (015036) Orlando Tech (014719) Winter Park Tech (016837) 

Normally a week by Internet (online) if appropriate signatures are submitted.

The Federal Government has selected you for verification.  You must submit your 2010 income tax return and W-2’s and/or 2010untaxed income (unemployment, child support, etc.), parents and/or spouse if applicable and complete a verification worksheet provided in the Financial Aid Office (appropriate signatures are required).  Other documentation may be required to complete your financial aid file. NOTE:  The school has the authority to select a student for verification as well.

We recommend you can go online to correct your errors or you can bring your SAR into the Financial Aid Office at the Tech Center for review and we can make the corrections for you if needed.  Appropriate documentation and signatures are required.

Tuition, supply fees and books/materials ONLY.  If you need assistance with uniforms and other aids not in the school bookstore you may seek help through Workforce Central Florida or Vocational Rehabilitation if you qualify or ask the Financial Aid staff at the Tech Center for more information.

No!  You must resolve your debt before receiving additional Pell funds.

Due to the FERPA Privacy Act, only general information can be given over the phone to the student.  However, you may come to the Financial Aid Office at the Tech Center to get information about your financial aid award.

Specific satisfactory academic and attendance progress requirements have been established in accordance with federal and state guidelines.  Students must maintain satisfactory academic and attendance progress requirements to retain financial aid eligibility.

Yes!  See the Financial Aid Office immediately before withdrawing from class to see if you are in any jeopardy of having any outstanding fees.  Since a Return of Title IV Funds must be calculated any outstanding fees are your responsibility. 

Tech Centers are clock hour schools.  After you start the program your financial aid award will be applied to your institutional charges based on your attendance.  (Keep in mind if your financial aid award does not cover all your institutional charges then the remaining balance will be your responsibility).  Any remaining money after institutional charges are paid will be available in the form of a check to the student to be picked up in the Business Office.

Yes!  You must reapply for financial aid each award year (July 1 – June 30). 

You may request a Professional Judgment (provided your earnings are less from the previous year or you have “unusual” monetary expenses that you have paid) from the Financial Aid Office.  The Financial Aid Administrator will review this request and if approved your SAR will be resubmitted to the Federal Government for reconsideration.

If you do not qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you may qualify for the Florida Student Assistant Grant, Florida Work Experience Program (two state grants) and SFAF (using the current household income).

Household income is the current income for the student by using their last three month pay stubs.  If the student does not have income and lives with one or both parents, the parental current income is used.

You may apply for the Installment Plan. Must demonstrate need (complete a FAFSA form).

The Student Financial Assistance Fund is scholarship funds that assist students with tuition.  Must demonstrate need (complete a FAFSA form).

If you have been awarded a scholarship from a business or community agency, you will need to bring the scholarship letter to the Financial Aid Office for submission to the Business Office.