Workforce Investment Act and Nursing: A Guide for Furthering Your Nursing Education and Career

Select your program. The Workforce Investment Act helps pay for two nursing programs: the LPN-to-RN "bridge" program and program for progressing from an LPN to having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The LPN-to-RN program is briefer, usually lasting about one year, and upon completion of the program, you'll have your registered nursing credential. The LPN-to-BSN program varies from about 18 to 24 months, and you earn your registered nursing credential and your bachelor's degree.

Locate an eligible training program in your area. You can find an extensive list of these programs at careeronestop.org, which has all programs listed by state, and then by program.
You can find this contact information at careeronestop.org.

Call the Workforce Investment Act office at the facility that offers the eligible training program you selected. Find out what documentation you need to submit to the WIA office to be considered for a WIA grant. Gather this documentation so you have it on hand when you need to submit it.

Apply to the college or school you selected. You cannot be awarded a WIA grant until you are accepted. Most colleges and training schools offer an online application, which can be located under the Admissions section of many schools' websites. Before you start your application, gather your transcripts, resume and community service or extracurricular records. Having this information at hand will make the online application process a much smoother one. Most schools ask for previous educational records, intended area of study, and any community service, extracurricular activities, and work experience you have. Additionally, you may need to write an admissions essay. Should your school not have an online application available, contact the Admissions office and ask that they send you a paper application.

Once admitted, fill out all appropriate paperwork that the WIA office requests. This will most likely be paperwork relating to your current income and expenses and your employment status. WIA pays for tuition and fees, but the amount varies from state to state. Your WIA office will let you know the grant amount you qualify for.

Sources
State of California: What is WIA
Career One Stop: WIA Provider Search