Show-Me State Times

A program designed to help Missourians enter high-demand job fields and fill critical positions continues to see significant success.

The Fast Track Incentive Grant, established by lawmakers in 2019 and championed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to address workforce needs. It encourages adults to pursue certificates, degrees, or apprenticeships in high-need job fields. The program targets adults aged 25 and older who do not have a bachelor's degree and earn below certain income levels.

The primary areas of focus are health care, business accounting, computer science, and education. The program also supports apprenticeships, allowing individuals to earn while they learn.

In 2022, legislators approved changes that expanded the list of eligible training providers and registered apprenticeships within the Office of Workforce Development’s Eligible Training Provider System. The legislation also included apprenticeship costs in the program.

“That change led to a real surge in interest in the program,” said Leroy Wade, deputy commissioner at the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development.

Last year, the program served over 1,250 students – a 90% increase from 2022 – distributing around $5.4 million. This amount is more than double what was dispersed in 2022.

“We think the popularity of the program will continue to grow,” Wade added. “The program is finding its legs now, and folks are getting more familiar with it.”

Wade mentioned that there would likely be efforts in the next legislative session to expand eligibility for the grant program. A proposed change did not pass in 2024.

The modification – supported by the Missouri Chamber – aimed to allow more adults in the state to receive funding for postsecondary education and training by increasing the maximum gross income for eligibility from $80,000 to $100,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly and from $40,000 to $50,000 for all other taxpayers. These amounts would be adjusted annually based on inflation.

Statistics from Ozarks Technical Community College, which has the largest number of Fast Track participants, indicated that this change would enable an additional 40,000 Missourians (ages 25-54) to qualify for the program.