Pre-Paid Tuition

Alliance Pre-Paid Tuition Program (PPT)

The Alliance Pre-Paid Tuition Program (PPT) provides funding for education and training to enhance current skills or to build new skills that support employability. The program provides for the pre-payment of tuition costs to give participants the flexibility to pursue individual training tracks. However, receiving Alliance PPT funding is not automatic; you must meet the Program Requirements detailed below.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Alliance is increasing the annual maximums that we pay for coursework beginning on or after January 1, 2008. In addition to the increase we are also modifying the Book Reimbursement program. The Alliance will be combining the PPT and book programs payout to a single maximum amount. No other program changes are being made at this time (including Alliance eligibility requirements).

Effective January 1, 2008, the new maximum for the combined programs will be $2,250 for active workers and $3,250 for dislocated workers. The revised Book Reimbursement program will no longer be limited to $200. The Alliance will reimburse any amount until the maximum PPT level has been reached.

· Review PPT Program Requirements

· Complete the Alliance PPT Application Checklist

· Read Frequently Asked Questions About Alliance PPT

· View information about Approved and Accredited Schools

· Application Processing Requirements

· Apply to PPT You can now apply for PPT On-line. Fill out and submit your application on-line and then mail or fax the supporting documentation to us.

· View list of Industry Standard Certifications

· Have you already applied for PPT? Check the status of your application online.

Program Requirements

Eligibility: You must meet The Alliance eligibility requirements to qualify for the

PPT Program (Eligibility Matrix).

Training/Training Institutions: For your tuition to be supported, it must qualify under one of the following standards:

(a) “for credit” training at an accredited institution. “For credit” training is training in courses that earn credit toward a degree or courses that are required to earn a certificate or license from the institution. The Alliance recommends pursuing your training at an accredited institution. The accreditation process provides a rigorous third party examination of individual schools. Typically, accredited schools (including accredited Distance Learning schools) provide a better value for your training dollars. Click here to search for an accredited institution .

(b) training related to an “approved industry standard certification” at an Alliance approved institution. Click here to search for an Alliance Approved Institution.

In addition to the standards above, if you are applying for training in an Information Technology Certification program (for example, Net+, Cisco-CCNA, Microsoft Server+ etc.), you must have a Technical Career Plan (TSAT) on file with The Alliance.

Funding Limitations:

Funding is based on a calendar year and an annual maximum limit. The course start date determines from which year a course will be funded. The Alliance is combining the PPT and Book Reimbursement programs payout to a single maximum amount for coursework that begins on or after January 1, 2008.

For calendar year 2007 the following maximums apply:

Active workers: up to $1,650 plus $200 max for books.

Displaced workers: up to $2,650 (eligible for one year from date of layoff plus weeks of severance pay) plus $200 max for books

For calendar year 2008 the following maximums apply:

Active workers: up to $2,250 - books included in total.

Displaced workers: up to $3,250 (eligible for one year from date of layoff plus weeks of severance pay) - books included in total.

Please note that these funding levels are subject to change. In addition, all Alliance training is contingent on the availability of funding – and exceptionally high demand for training and budget limitations could require changes in PPT policies.

Alliance PPT and Company Tuition Assistance Program (TAP):

Alliance PPT cannot duplicate your company’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) nor will it provide additional funding when a TAP maximum is reached. Before submitting an Alliance PPT Application, be sure to check the Alliance PPT Application Checklist. If a program/degree looks to be TAP fundable, PPT may require you to apply to TAP and provide a copy of the TAP denial letter to complete your Alliance PPT application. To avoid delay, apply to TAP first if you think they might fund your training.

Technical Assessment:

If you are thinking about IT Certification training The Alliance offers a unique program to assist individuals in determining an appropriate entry point into technical training. The TSAT™ process includes an assessment of a participant's technical aptitude, technical skill, general abilities related to technology, and learning style. Following the assessment, participants will work with a technical advisor to develop a step-by-step Technical Career Plan. Alliance PPT can only fund IT Certification training if you have a Technical Assessment on file with The Alliance. To learn more, click on Technical Assessment.

Processing Requirements

Application Process: Applications will be accepted at any time at the Alliance Somerset Office. Please allow up to 3-weeks for approval.

To ensure timely review of your PPT application, you must submit a complete Pre-Paid Tuition Application package and required supporting documentation (click here to see sample back up documentation)– the application requirements are detailed on the PPT Application Form. Incomplete applications will delay the review process and may affect consideration for funding.

Review and Approval Process:

All PPT Applications will be reviewed and acted upon when they are received by the PPT office. If your application is approved you will receive a letter along with the Approval Certificate with the pertinent information you will need to register for your program. Should your application be deferred or rejected, you will be sent a letter of explanation along with information on options available to you.

We are sorry, but we can not fax approval certificates to you or the school. Please plan ahead.

Alliance PPT Application Checklist

Before submitting an Alliance PPT Application, please be sure these statements apply to you:

I have read the PPT requirements, Application Form and procedures completely.
I am eligible for Alliance PPT (Eligibility Matrix).
I am requesting funding to attend an accredited school or Alliance Approved school.
My application form is completely filled out and the supporting documentation (click here to see sample back up documentation) I have included is clear and agrees with the information I have entered on the form.
If applying for IT Certification classes, I have completed an Alliance Technical Assessment.
I am applying for a program/degree not funded by my company’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). * Alliance PPT funds cannot be applied to degree programs funded by TAP even if you have reached the annual maximum with TAP or if TAP has denied certain classes from your degree.
I will be able to submit my PPT application to The Alliance at least three weeks prior to the start of my class.

To Apply for Alliance PPT

1. Print a copy of the Alliance PPT Application Form or Apply On-line

2. Mail or fax the supporting documentation (click here to see sample back up documentation) (as described on the form) to:
(include a copy of the application if not completing on-line).

Alliance PPT Program
80 Cottontail Lane
Suite 320
Somerset, NJ 08873
Fax (732) 563-1724
Phone (800) 323-3436

Frequently Asked Questions About Alliance PPT

What is funded?
For coursework starting in 2007 Alliance PPT pays tuition and required fees up to $1,650 for active workers and $2,650 for dislocated workers. Required books will be reimbursed up to $200 annually. While mandatory fees are covered, other miscellaneous costs are not funded (e.g. supplies/equipment, lodging transportation and meals).

For coursework starting on or after January 1, 2008 Alliance PPT pays tuition and required fees up to $2,250 for active workers and $3,250 for dislocated workers. The cost of required books is being incorporated into the annual maximum program amount. While mandatory fees are covered, other miscellaneous costs are not funded (e.g. supplies/equipment, lodging transportation and meals).

My eligibility for The Alliance will expire soon, how does this affect the training I want to take?
You must enroll and start a class before your eligibility expires. Training due to start after this date will not be funded even if you apply for it while you are still eligible for Alliance services.

When should I submit my application?
You should submit your PPT Application at least three weeks prior to the class start date. Applications are processed as quickly as possible, in the order received. Rush requests cannot be honored. All PPT applications will be reviewed and acted upon when they are received by the PPT office. All Pre-Paid Tuition applications will be reviewed and Tuition Certificates issued upon receipt by The Alliance Somerset, New Jersey office.

How will I know my application has been processed?

All PPT Applications will be reviewed and acted upon when they are received by the PPT office. If your application is approved you will receive a letter along with the Approval Certificate with the pertinent information you will need to register for your program. Should your application be deferred or rejected, you will be sent a letter of explanation along with information on options available to you. You can also check the status online.

How can I be sure the school or institution I want to attend is accredited or approved by The Alliance?

The Alliance maintains a listing of Alliance Approved Schools on our website. We use the CHEA database to validate accreditation. If a school or institution is not on these lists, your application will not be approved.

Will funds from last year carry over for courses I begin this year?
No. Alliance PPT funds do not carry over from year to year. Your course start date determines which calendar year’s tuition is used.

What happens when my application is approved?
We will send you a letter along with the Approval Certificate with the pertinent information you will need to register for your program. Give the certificate to the school’s business office when registering for the course(s). The school will bill The Alliance directly.

Can tuition be reimbursed?
Tuition can be reimbursed, but this option should be considered only in exceptional circumstances, as there is no guarantee that tuition will be funded. Reimbursement must be requested within 3-months of the last day of class. In addition to normal Alliance PPT Application requirements, reimbursement requests must include the following:

Proof that you completed the course, AND
Proof that you paid for the course (paid receipt must originate from the school – cancelled checks or credit card statements ARE NOT acceptable).

Any PPT application sent 3-months after the class ends will not be considered. Funding for reimbursement is counted against your maximum for the year in which you started the course.

How do I receive reimbursement for books?
You may be reimbursed for books purchased for approved and completed Alliance PPT-funded courses. Submit a Book Reimbursement Form and original, itemized receipts. Sales taxes are not reimbursed.

Still have questions?
Call 800-323-3436 between 8 AM to 5 PM (ET) Monday through Friday to speak with an Alliance staff member.

Alliance Headquarters, 80 Cottontail Lane - Suite 320, Somerset NJ, 08873
800-323-3436

webmaster@employeegrowth.com