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ATB assists students in earning their GED while earning a workforce degree or certificate
The Federal Student Aid office of the U.S. Department of Education has approved Pensacola State College for the Title IV Ability to Benefit (ATB) program, enabling the institution to enroll students who do not have a traditional high school diploma or GED and provide them with grants and scholarships to attend school.
ATB allows students who do not have a high school diploma, GED or recognized equivalent to enroll in a college-level career or technical program and receive federal financial aid to help pay for tuition, books and supplies.
PSC offers the following ATB-eligible academic programs: Carpentry; Cosmetology; Electricity; Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning; Massage Therapy; Medical Assisting; Plumbing; Practical Nursing; and Welding Technology.
“This opportunity is transformational,” said Michael Johnston, Associate Vice President, Institutional Research and Enterprise Solutions at PSC. “Some people need a right-now solution and don’t have the resources to commit to a four-year traditional degree. Career and Technical Education programs can elevate people and their families, and the ATB program can help those who also need to earn their GED.”
On Tuesday this week and in recognition of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the state’s No. 1 ranking for workforce education, fulfilling an executive order five years ahead of its 2030 goal, and highlighted the essential role CTE plays in preparing students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand careers.
“Florida has built an education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens our state’s long-term prosperity. Workforce education is a crucial part of this effort,” said DeSantis.
During the 2024-25 academic year, Florida achieved record-breaking Career and Technical Education enrollment, serving more than 818,000 K-12 CTE students and nearly 512,000 postsecondary CTE students, which represents a 30% increase since the 2018-19 academic year.
Locally, PSC is experiencing significant growth in CTE enrollment, with career certificates up 9% and technical certificates up 23% compared to last year.
“Demand for Career and Technical Education at Pensacola State College continues to rise. In response, we are expanding high-demand CTE programs that align directly with the workforce needs of our region,” said Johnston.
“Offering students the Ability to Benefit assistance will only add to this success and the impact of Career and Technical Education on individuals and businesses in our community. ATB students will be able to earn a workforce degree or certificate, get the education needed to obtain their GED, and put some extra money in their pockets so they can afford this venture.”
Visit financialaid.pensacolastate.edu/ability-to-benefit for eligibility and enrollment information.