What is the Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)?
PA-TIP is a state-funded program established to provide financial assistance to businesses and organizations that are part of Pennsylvania’s targeted industries. The initiative is designed to address the state’s economic priorities by supporting sectors with high potential for growth and job creation. The program offers grants, loans, and tax incentives to qualifying businesses, helping them expand operations, invest in new technologies, and enhance their workforce.
PA Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) Schools
The PA-TIP is a program administered by PHEAA. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to students who are enrolled in specific career programs.
Eligible Career Areas:
- Energy
- Health
- Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
- Agriculture and Food Production
Awards:
The PA-TIP provides need-based awards to eligible students. The award amount is up to $6,000 or the student’s actual unmet need, whichever is less.
Using the Award:
Students can use the PA-TIP award to cover their educational costs and specific living expenses.
School Eligibility
To be eligible, schools must:
- Be a federal Title IV eligible institution where the classroom is located in Pennsylvania.
- Provide a copy of your Eligibility and Certification Approval Report (ECAR). Programs listed on school’s application must match programs approved on the ECAR.
- Complete and return an Automated Clearing House (ACH) Form so that funds may be transmitted via Electronic funds Transfer (EFT).
- Complete and return a PHEAA Remote Access Agreement (RAA) if one is not on file; all school reports will be delivered through PHEAA’s online system.
- Have an approved eligible program of study:
- Must be at least 10 weeks long but less than two academic years in length.
- Cannot be a PA State Grant eligible program.
- Cannot be an Associate Degree program.
- Must be less than 1800 clock hours in length.
- Must not be completed through 100% distance education (online).
- Must correspond to the PA Department of Education Identified Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes.
- Program must meet the full-time threshold of at least 12 credits per term or at least 24 clock hours of continuous enrollment per week. Public or private, non-profit institutions may offer awards to students who are enrolled at least half-time. At least half-time is defined as a minimum of six credits per term or a minimum of 12 clock hours of continuous enrollment per week. Programs that do not meet the full-time threshold, and are not public or private non-profit, are not eligible for PA-TIP.
NOTE: Eligible programs are identified by their Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code.
(PDF)
Complete the CIP Code Inclusion Request form for a review of new program inclusion.
How to Apply for Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program
To apply for the PA-TIP, follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be enrolled in a PA-TIP approved program at a participating college or university
- Be pursuing a career in one of the targeted industries (Energy, Health, Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing, or Agriculture and Food Production)
- Demonstrate financial need
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid
- List a participating PA-TIP college or university as one of your school choices
Step 3: Complete the PA-TIP Application
- Contact the financial aid office at your college or university to obtain a PA-TIP application
- Complete and submit the application by the deadline
Step 4: Review and Notification
- The financial aid office will review your application and determine your eligibility
- You will be notified if you are selected to receive a PA-TIP award
The deadline to apply for the current award year is December 31, 2024. If you are still interested in participating after the deadline, please contact PA-TIP staff at PATip@pheaa.org.
After You Apply
You will receive notification of program eligibility by email from PHEAA.
