Center for Academic Success in Healthcare (CASH)

JJC is pleased to announce the Center for Academic Success in Healthcare (CASH), a new program for health care students in need of support to complete their program. If you’re a JJC health care student seeking tutoring, financial assistance, advising or any other type of support, CASH is for you. Funds from CASH can be used for transportation, groceries, childcare or any other barrier preventing you from success in your health care program.

CASH is funded by Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH), a grant from the state of Illinois designed to create, support and expand the opportunities of individuals in nursing and other health care pathways. This grant plays a critical role in addressing the shortage of workers in the health care industry — particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CASH Center supports the following Healthcare programs:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant 
  • Nursing
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Health Information Management
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Medical Assisting
  • Respiratory Therapy 
  • Radiology Technology
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Phlebotomy
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • Pharmacy Technician

The Benefits provided by the CASH Center:

  1.  Wrap around services including: childcare assistance, transportation and housing assistance, tuition and fees, books and materials, education stipend, program specific tutoring, waiver for unpaid fees, Wi-Fi assistance.
  2. Success Pipeline seminars including: Essential and employability skills training, development of student success strategies, all services that address barriers to completion, job placement, advising and retention, accessibility resources.
  3. Other considerations such as exams, licensure, background checks for clinical sites, and emergency funds on need basis.

  • Student Eligibility

    1. Reside in the JJC district
    2. Meet the requirements of the chosen program
    3. Fulfill engagement rules set by the CASH center
    4. In addition to meeting one of the following:
    • An incumbent worker/current healthcare employee (already employed but needs training to upgrade skills to secure full-time employment, advance in career or retain current position)
    • Low income (i.e., qualify for federal financial aid such as receiving SNAP benefits, Medicaid or TANF)
    • A first-generation student (meaning your parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree) or
    • Minority students and other underrepresented populations
    • New, entering students on a nursing or healthcare pathway with an identified need for support

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    • Do I have to complete the FAFSA or Rise Act application to be eligible?
      • No, it is not required.  However, it is highly recommended as priority is given to low-income, first generation, and incumbent workers.
    • Who can I contact if I have questions about completing the FAFSA or the Rise Act application?
      • Please visit the Joliet Junior College Financial Aid webpage for assistance completing the FAFSA or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.  You may also call 815-280-2528, or email finaid@jjc.edu, to speak with someone in the Financial Aid Department.
    • What will the PATH Grant cover?

      • Eligible JJC students can get support for assistance with tuition, transportation, groceries, childcare, etc. The PATH Grant also funds the CASH Center which provides various wrap around services including: tutoring, student wellness support, advising and more.

        This grant is a "last dollar" grant meaning MAP, PELL, and NESP will be used toward paying your tuition first. In other words, this grant will only apply once MAP, PELL, and NESP have been exhausted and if outstanding tuition charges remain on your student account.

    • If I receive these scholarship dollars, will I have to pay them back?
      • No, however, if a student drops a course, these scholarship dollars will not be refunded directly to the student.
    • Who can I contact with questions about this grant?

    CASH Secretary 
    Main Campus - U-2012 - 815-280-2795

  • Joliet Junior College PATH Grant Application

    Spring 2025 PATH Grant Application - Deadline April 15, 2025

    Summer 2025 PATH Grant Application - Deadline June 30, 2025