June 15 is the summer deadline to apply for the Pathways to Progress Initiative at Troy University, a program that provides financial support to adults seeking to advance from an associate to a bachelor’s degree.
The initiative, launched in 2025, aims to promote economic growth and social stability in designated regions of Alabama by aligning educational attainment with workforce needs. Troy University was one of only two universities in the state selected by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) to participate in the initiative.
The program, administered by ACHE, provides state funds to help adults who already hold associate degrees return to college to complete their bachelor’s degrees. The initiative is designed to strengthen regional workforce readiness while fostering collaboration among local colleges, universities, and businesses.
“Pathways to Progress not only places more Alabamians on the path toward better-paying careers, but it also provides businesses and industries across our region with a highly skilled workforce,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “This program reflects our commitment to fostering both individual opportunity and regional economic growth.”
To qualify, students must:
- Submit a completed application.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Be a resident of Alabama.
- Have lived for at least two years-and continue to reside while enrolled-in one of the following counties: Barbour, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Henry, Houston, Geneva, or Pike.
- Enroll full time or part time in an eligible Troy University undergraduate degree program.
- Hold an associate degree with a minimum of 60 credit hours applicable toward a bachelor’s degree.
- Maintain good academic standing.
- Complete a FAFSA each year.
The program offers funding to both full and part-time students:
- The maximum award for a full-time student (12 credit hours) is $3,000 per academic term.
- Part-time students (6-11 credit hours) receive awards proportionally calculated at $250 per credit hour.
- Awards cap at 120 credit hours.
Funding is limited and will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must complete an application for admission to Troy University before applying to the Pathways to Progress program.
