Certified Educational Aide Exemption Program

How Much Is It Worth?
The program exempts eligible students attending public colleges or universities in Texas from the payment of tuition and fees (other than class or laboratory fees) per year of eligibility. Spring term exemptions are conditional upon meeting program requirements in the fall. Summer awards are dependent upon the availability of funds. Individuals who receive awards in one year may apply for awards in subsequent years. The maximum award is tuition and fees (other than class or laboratory fees) or the student's financial need, whichever is less. This exemption DOES cover remedial or developmental classes.

Who Can Apply?
Individuals may apply who:

• have applied for financial aid through the college to be attended, including filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid through the college to be attended or by qualifying on the basis of adjusted gross income (see Coordinating Board rules), are residents of Texas, are certified as Educational Aides by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, have at least 2 school years' experience as certified educational aides ** working in a Texas public school classroom directly with students. are employed as certified educational aides ** working in the classroom directly with students in a Texas public school during the period of enrollment for which the exemption is given, will be enrolled in classes leading to teacher certification at the time they receive the exemption, and
• meet the academic progress requirements of the college's financial aid office.

How Do You Get An Application?
Contact the school district where the educational aide is employed, the financial aid office of the college the aide will attend, or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at 1-800-242-3062 x6387.

What Is the Application Process?

1. Complete the admissions and financial aid process for your college, including the filing of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The educational aide completes Part I of the application reflecting the academic year he/she is applying and delivers the form to an official of his/her school or school district. The school (district) official completes Part II of the form and sends it to the Director of Financial Aid of the college the aide will attend. The Financial Aid Office completes Part Ill and forwards the form to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The Board selects recipients and announces the awards for the fall term. November, the board sends out rosters to school districts to verify the student's employment in the Spring term, due back to the Board by December 1. The Board will announce spring awards as soon as verifications from school districts are received
2. March 1, the Board will announce whether there will be summer awards by sending out revised application packets to school distncts, financial aid offices and previous certified aide applicants

When Must Applications Be Submitted?
Applications must be completed and received by the Coordinating Board before the term the aide is applying for ends.

What is Financial Need?
Financial need is a calculated amount based upon information provided by a student on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or their adjusted gross income (see Coordinating Board rules). There is not enough money to give awards to all students who qualify. Preference will be given to applicants whh high financial need.

** This also includes library, computer lab. physical education and substitute aides. However, it does not include secretaries, clerical staff or substitute teachers.