Professional Re-Employment Education Program (PREP)
Professional Re-Employment Education Program (PREP)
Support for workers who have been dislocated from their jobs as a result of economic or business conditions
RIT is here to help
If you have become unemployed in the last year due to an economic or business downturn, RIT is here to help you get back to work through advancing your education at a discount. This may be the perfect time to gain new skills to change careers or enhance your skills and knowledge to re-enter the workforce in a stronger position.
The Professional Re-employment Education Program (PREP ) is an RIT grant program designed to help dislocated workers become better equipped to re-enter the workforce. Students accepted into this program can pursue discounted undergraduate or graduate courses, either online or on campus, at 60% off campus tuition rates.
Eligibility
- PREP enrollment is open to individuals who have worked full- time for a minimum of twelve consecutive months prior to separation from their employer.
- Only employees who are dislocated by economic or business conditions within one year will qualify.
- Those who voluntarily terminate their employment without benefits or who are terminated for cause are not eligible.
- Employees who accept separation incentives as part of a corporate downsizing or other management-initiated reorganization may qualify for acceptance into the program with appropriate documentation.
- Dislocated workers may enter the program during any academic semester. The day before the beginning of the subsequent academic semester, participants will be eligible to register for courses at a reduced tuition rate (for up to three consecutive academic semesters).
Enrollment
Enrollment in the PREP program can be assisted by an admissions advisor; intake counseling is available.Your admissions advisor will provide you with the application and answer any questions you may have
- Prospective students must complete a PREP eligibility form and provide official documents verifying their dislocated worker status. Qualifying documents include: the original hiring & termination or notice of layoff letter OR an official NYS State Department of Labor Displaced Worker Certification OR similar documentation.
- PREP applicants are interviewed, their employment status verified and offered career advice or referred directly to the appropriate academic department for advising. You may schedule an individual advising session with your admissions advisor, or send an email.
- Once approved and advised, PREP students are able to register on the last business day before classes begin to get their discounted tuition rate and and seats remaining in their desired class(es). Students who register before the approved PREP registration date risk losing their courses and having the PREP program grant withdrawn.
- PREP students may register for one or more than one course. Full or part-time matriculated students will be considered for additional financial aid. Students who are in default on a student loan are not eligible for PREP or any other RIT aid.
- After the registration is processed, PREP students work with the Financial Aid office to satisfy payment requirements.
- PREP students then purchase textbooks and materials, obtain a student computer account, register for an RIT parking permit, and attend classes.
- PREP participants are eligible for three consecutive semesters, unless academic performance falls below published university standards. If a PREP student must suspend their studies for a semester, a letter indicating the reason for the interruption must be sent to your admissions advisor.