Self Initiated Post Secondary Education or Vocational Skills Training SR 99-08, 03/99 (FAM-A)

Self initiated post secondary education or vocational skills training refers to an individual who is enrolled in or attending, in good standing in vocational skills training or post secondary educational programs at the time they begin the NHEP work program.

Approving Self Initiated Activities

The self initiated activity can be approved if the following conditions are met:

• The activity meets the specific criteria for the vocational skills training or post secondary educational activities;

• The activity meets the individual’s employment needs;

• The individual is currently enrolled and attending the self initiated activity; and

• The individual is making satisfactory progress;

• The individual will be able to obtain a certificate, diploma or degree from the self initiated activity within approvable time limits (see below);

• A work placement will be pursued if the self initiated activity is post secondary education; and

• Vocational skills training does not have a work placement requirement, but must meet participation requirements.

Grace Period

Individuals involved in a self initiated post secondary educational or vocational skills training program that is not approved by a team member are granted a "grace period" to complete the current term or semester, not to exceed 6 months, provided the individual is currently attending and is making satisfactory progress.

Inform the individual at the initial assessment interview that the activity will not be approved after the current semester or term, nor will it count toward participation requirements after the grace period.

Participation Requirements During the Grace Period

• During the grace period, the applicant is still required to meet participation requirements.

Exception: Participants in unapproved post-secondary educational activities are not required to meet the work placement requirement.

• Individuals not meeting participation requirements must be entered into the Job Search Component. Conduct the initial assessment and determine the appropriate activity.

Support Services

Participants in self-initiated activities may receive the following support services:

• Transportation assistance (payment to enrolled public/private carriers, mileage, and automobile repairs); and

• Child care assistance.

Time Limits

Associate’s Degree: Self initiated educational programs can be approved for an associate’s degree when:

• No more than 1 year of continuous full time study remains; or

• When attendance is less than full time, no more than one and one half times the normal period of time customary for completing the program, not to exceed 2 years remains.

Bachelor’s Degree: Self initiated educational programs can be approved for a bachelor’s degree when:

• No more than 2 years of continuous full time study remains; or

• When attendance is less than full time, no more than one and one half times the normal period of time customary for completing the program, not to exceed 3 years, remains.

Vocational skills training programs must meet the same time limits described above for bachelor’s degree.

If the self initiated activity is approved at the initial assessment interview, and the activity meets participation requirements:

• Postpone the initial 4 week job search period and referral; and

• Inform the individual that participation in the initial 4 week job search period and referral will be required at the end of self-initiated activity if the individual is not employed full time.

Exception: The time limits specified above do not apply to individuals with a documented learning disability verified by a state certified educational professional or licensed psychologist. For extension of participation time, the documentation must specify the need and length of time required.

Participation Requirements

Individuals not meeting participation requirements, including participation in the work placement requirement in the post secondary educational activity, will be required to increase participation in the following if unsuccessful in obtaining another work placement:

• The educational or training activity; or

• Another NHEP activity.

If other activities are not available, enroll the participant in the Job Search Component.