A news release this week said the initiative, originally targeted at low-income students with federal Pell Grant eligibility, is now available to a broader group of learners — including those using federal loans to finance their education.
PC AGE founder and President Zafar Khizer emphasized that while tuition is often addressed through financial aid, many adult learners face deeper struggles with basic living expenses.
“The biggest barrier for most working-class adults isn't the tuition — it's the cost of living while you study,” Khizer said in a public statement. “We want students to focus on building a better future, not just surviving the present.”
Since its launch two months ago, the news release said, the stipend program has shown positive impacts on student retention and well-being, and illustrates how targeted financial support can bolster student outcomes and help bridge the gap between education and employment in the tech sector. Student testimonials cited in the announcement point to significant relief in covering transportation, food and child-care costs, helping them stay focused on completing their programs.
One unnamed student, who is also a parent, said in a public statement that the stipend made their enrollment possible: “As a parent with a lot of responsibilities at home, I can't work full-time while in the program. This stipend has helped cover critical expenses and reduced my stress.”
Another was quoted as saying, “Thank you so much for the financial help. It really means a lot — especially for transportation and food. It's making a big difference.”
To qualify for the stipend, students must be enrolled in day or evening programs and maintain a certain level of academic progress. The support is being offered for a limited time, according to the institute.
Founded in 1991, PC AGE is an accredited technical school with three campuses in New Jersey and a live online format for students nationwide, offering hands-on training programs intended to prepare students for entry-level roles in IT and cybersecurity in as little as nine to 12 months. The programs, which do not require prior technology experience or a college degree, are designed to be accessible to a wide range of adult learners.
Editor's note: This story was developed in collaboration with GPT-4 and reviewed and edited by CDE Editorial staff.
