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Education Benefits for the Unemployed

If you have lost your job from a layoff, furlough, or job elimination, MassBay Community College can provide information on certificate and associate degree programs that match job market demands.

MassBay Computer Science Students Building NASA app

Training Opportunities Program (TOP) / Section 30 at MassBay

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Federal government have programs allowing citizens to collect unemployment benefits while attending full-time, approved educational and training programs. Please note, these programs are funded by individuals, not by unemployment insurance. You might be eligible for Financial Aid or funding through your local MassHire Career Center

Training Opportunities Program Section 30 (TOP)

You must be admitted to an eligible degree or certificate program at MassBay and apply to TOP within the first 20 weeks (five months) of unemployment and three weeks before the program begins. Deadlines fall on the following dates:

  • July/August for Fall semester start
  • December/January for Spring semester start
  • April/May for Summer semester start

Search here for state approved certificate and degree programs.

Contact Karen Britton for Training Opportunities Program Application

APPLICATION Training Opportunities Program (TOP) Form

How to Apply to TOP

  • Complete the attached application. You fill out Parts A and B.
  • If your training is a credit-based program like a college or university, have a representative of the training program fill out Part D. This training must provide at least 20 hours per week of supervised, in-class instruction and be the equivalent of 12 semester credits for each period.
  • Return your completed application to DUA no later than the 20th paid week of your claim. You can: Complete and submit your application to your online account: https://unemployment.mass.gov/claimants, or

  • Mail a copy of your completed application to:

     

Department of Unemployment Assistance,
Attn: Special Programs Dept.
100 Cambridge St, Suite 400,
Boston, MA 02114

  1. If your application is complete and sent by the deadline… we will send you a notice to tell you if you qualify for TOP.

Karen Britton, M.A. (she/her/hers)
Executive Director and Liaison to the Board
Office of the President
MassBay Community College
50 Oakland Street
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
or Fax: 781-237-1061

For Questions or More Information

kbritton@massbay.edu

MassBay Courses that Qualify for TOP Section 30 Program

Automotive Technology – Toyota Associates

Auto Damage Appraisal Non-credit

Behavioral Health I and II Certificate

Behavioral Health Technology Apprenticeship Non-credit

Central Processing Technology Certificate

Computer Networking Certificate

Cybersecurity Certificate

Early Childhood Education Certificate

EMT Certificate

Human Services: Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate

Manufacturing Technology Certificate

Paralegal Studies Certificate

Patient Care Tech Non-credit

Phlebotomy Certificate