OAKWOOD — Eleven programs have been added to a 100 percent tuition scholarship grant at Lanier Technical College.

The Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant is available to students eligible for HOPE scholarships.

Previously, the grant covered three programs: commercial truck driving, early childhood education and practical nursing. It has been expanded to cover additional programs in allied health, business and computer technology, professional services and welding.

A total of 14 Lanier Tech programs are covered under the grant, which falls under the umbrella of the lottery-funded HOPE program. The expansion affects technical programs across the state.

The expansion was passed in the most recent session of the Georgia Legislature and took effect July 1.

The same bill established the Zell Miller grant, which will provide full tuition coverage for HOPE scholarship-eligible technical college students who maintain a 3.5 grade-point average by adding funds to what is covered by HOPE.

Lanier Tech President Ray Perren said the work force development grant is an economic development effort designed to benefit students as well as employers in need of skilled workers.

The grant is designed to address a shortage of qualified employees in specific fields.

“These are areas that we as a state believe we need to help students go into [in order] to encourage work force development,” Perren said. “A lot of the reason why certain programs were selected has to do with the needs of business and industry.”

Perren said Lanier Tech works closely with local industry to ensure students are getting the training that will help them get jobs. Faculty members use input from business leaders in course design.

“The jobs are out there for graduates from all of these programs,” he said. “We offer relevant training for relevant jobs and we put people to work.”

According to Perren, one of the primary skills local industry leaders seek is welding, and the expanded scholarship program covers five different programs at Lanier Tech

HOPE scholarships typically pay close to 75 percent or more of student tuition, which at Lanier is $89 per credit hour, or a little more than $1,000 per full-time semester, Perren said.

The Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant affects programs available at Lanier’s Oakwood, Forsyth, Winder-Barrow and Dawson campuses.

There is a limit to the number of students each program can admit, but the school will work to accommodate as many students as possible.

For more information on eligibility and availability, visit www.laniertech.edu or call (770) 531-6300.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.