List of Resources, Higher education and Training

Comments:

Comments will be updated while making changes and removed once this part of the framework is completed.

At the moment, I've only added a few others other than New York State/NYC.

Note that some of the resources might not be up to date (because they haven't been updated) or because they ended their schedules and/or enrollment process.

Although I've focused on only adding those resources with free courses or almost no cost and state specific, I've also made a list with others that might require payment, that I've used before but I won’t add that one yet.

For more on the resources I've been using from the city/NY - go to the New York >> section.

I'll try to update this every two weeks.

DISCLAIMER

These resources are shared independently and are not the result of any paid promotion or formal partnership. My intention is only to provide this information for educational use.

This and the following parts make for an entire framework:

Part 1: The Personalized Education Investment Prospectus: A Quantitative Framework for Determining College Worth >>
Part 2: Decision Dashboard >>
Part 3: List of resources, higher education and training (Here)
Part 4: Coming soon
Part 5: Coming soon

This takes a lot of time to make and is being done completely by one person alone, but I won't take donations or anything like that. Instead, if you want to support this project(s) you can buy my hand made jewelry OR join the Referral Partner Program.

Aslan's Jewelry Atelier >>

Referral Partner Program >>

Resources guide - How to get the most out of the resources

When you find a potential program or school, don't just browse. Use these two strategies to get answers.

Strategy 1: The "Phone First" Rule

Websites are often outdated, and emails can sit in an inbox for weeks. A phone call gets you an immediate human connection and often reveals "unlisted" help.

The Action:

Go to the "Contact Us" or "About" section of the website. Look for a local phone number (not just a 1-800 number if possible).

What to say/ask:

The "Fee Waiver" Question:"I am currently living in a shelter/facing financial hardship. Do you offer application fee waivers or 'professional judgment' reviews for financial aid?"
The "Hidden Costs" Question: "Does this 'free' certification cover everything, or will I need to pay for textbooks, uniforms, or the final exam fee?"
The "Support" Question: "Do you have a dedicated liaison for students experiencing housing instability or homelessness?"
The "Next Step" Question: "Can I come in person to speak with someone? Who should I ask for?"

Strategy 2: Local Intelligence (The Library & Community)

The best resources for "free" education (like library-sponsored IT certifications or trade pre-apprenticeships) are often found via word-of-mouth or flyer boards, not a browser like Google.

The Action:

Visit your local library or community center. Don't just look for a book; find a Reference Librarian or a Career Services Coordinator.

Questions to ask the Librarian:

"Does this library provide free access to online learning platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Gale Courses with a library card?"
"Are there any upcoming 'Job Clubs' or 'TechConnect' classes that offer certificates of completion?"
"Do you have a list of local non-profits that provide free vocational training for people in my specific situation?"
"Can I reserve a computer for more than the standard time limit if I am working on an educational application?"

General Checklist: Questions for Any Resource

Whether you are at a non-profit, a library, or a college office, take this list with you.

What to Ask	Why it Matters
"Are there eligibility requirements related to residency?"	Some programs are only for people living in specific zip codes or counties.
"Do you provide 'wraparound' services like transit cards or childcare?"	Education is hard if you can't afford the bus to get there.
"Is this certification recognized by local employers?"	You want a certificate that actually leads to a job, not just a piece of paper.
"What happens if I have to miss a class due to a shelter curfew or appointment?"	You need to know if the program is flexible for people in unstable housing.