The economic meltdown that began in 2008 has lead to the creation of a number of training programs geared toward unemployed and underemployed adults. The programs are designed to assist you in obtaining training in technology, health care, construction and the culinary arts, among others. In addition to classroom instruction, students also may receive job search assistance. Some programs and schools offering tuition free classes include the SUNY Educational Opportunity Center in New York, Spokane Community College in Washington and Ramapo College in New Jersey. You must meet the individual program's eligibility requirements.
To aid students in making the transition from high school to postsecondary education, some technical schools offer special tuition-free programs. Although some may be geared toward liberal arts or college preparation, most offer technical or vocational training, too. Students take technical school courses while completing their high school education. Some schools offering such programs include Lorain County Community College in Ohio, Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College in Utah and Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota.
Several nonprofit groups have been established in an effort to train young adults ages 18 to 25. Students must meet minimum income and residency requirements. Students enrolled in these programs may receive training in a variety of vocations, such as manufacturing, law enforcement, hospitality and office administration. Some programs include Year Up in New York City, Job Corps programs, which are nationwide, and Vocational Foundation Inc. in New York City.
Other tuition free training programs have been created to fill jobs that are in high demand. Some of these programs include the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia, San Jacinto College in Texas' nursing program, the Community College of Rhode Island's occupational therapy assisting and other medically related programs and U.S. Truck Driver Training School Inc.