NEXTUniversity is a career development program that assists young professionals pursue careers like welding, industrial systems, aircraft maintenance, nursing, and more. Through high school and beyond, NEXTU students are supported with scholarship dollars that pay for their technical classes, books, supplies, and tools. With guidance from a career coach, NEXTU students obtain industry-based certifications and connections to their careers.

Pathways

welding

Welding

airframe

Airframe

industrial systems

Industrial Systems

nursing

Nursing

electrical power

Electrical Power and Controls

engineering

Engineering

agriclu eng

Agricultural Engineering

it and support

IT and Support Services

programming and software

Programming and Software Development

Are You in High School?
Download Application Here
Are You Out of High School?
Download Application Here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NEXTUniversity?
Click to reveal the answer

NEXTUniversity is not a school, not a college, but it can help you pay for school. It’s a career development program that provides scholarship dollars for classes, books, and supplies.  NEXTU students will also receive one-on-one guidance from NEXTUniversity’s Career Coach.

Which application process should I use?
Click to reveal the answer

Are you currently enrolled in high school or taking dual credit courses?

  1. Talk to your high school counselor about dual credit
  2. Apply to TSTC or Cisco College for target career path
  3. Complete dual credit paperwork from your high school
  4. Complete the NEXTUniversity Application
  5. Receive NEXTU support & scholarship dollars for technical classes, books, supplies, and tools

Are you out of high school or taking post-secondary classes?

  1. Apply to TSTC or Cisco College for target career path
  2. Register for classes in a target career path
  3. Complete the NEXTUniversity Application
  4. Receive NEXTU support & scholarship dollars for technical classes, books, supplies, and tools
I am interested in a different field not listed on your site, can I still receive a NEXTUniversity scholarship?
Click to reveal the answer

No, scholarship dollars can only be used for Abilene’s target industries and cannot be used outside of what is listed on our website.

Can I receive a scholarship if I’ve already graduated high school?
Click to reveal the answer

Yes, NEXTU support and scholarships are available to high school graduates until they turn  22 years of age.

Can I use NEXTU scholarship dollars to pay for my rent, utilities, and other bills?
Click to reveal the answer

No, NEXTU scholarship dollars are paid directly to the school you are attending and cannot be used for non-school related purchases.

Do I have a job secured after I obtain a certification?
Click to reveal the answer

Not necessarily. Like with any job, you must go through a complete application and interview process. No one can promise you a job, but we work hard to connect you to interview opportunities to help you secure your desired career.

What can I expect from the NEXTUniversity Workforce Development Coach?
Click to reveal the answer

NEXTUniversity’s Career Coach checks in on your progress in all classes, researches and explains your career pathway, plans forums to connect you to industry leaders, and helps you secure your desired career.

Our Partners