CTP provides employees the opportunity to apply for tuition assistance at accredited colleges and universities. It is open to full-time, permanent Customs employees, regardless of geographic location. Employees are also encouraged to further their education using non-traditional methods, including distance learning courses offered by accredited universities or colleges via the Internet or Web.

"It has long been a dream to return to school to complete my undergraduate degree," says Hope L. Gant, Paralegal Specialist, Office of Investigations. "When I was 18, I was accepted to the Howard University, School of Architecture and City Planning five-year degree program. In my fourth year, I stopped going to school. In 1988, I enrolled in the George Washington University, Continued Education Program and obtained my Legal Assistance Certificate. But, for me, success meant completing my undergraduate degree."

In 1997, Gant enrolled in Trinity College School of Professional Studies, as a Communications major. She used student loans to finance her academic journey. When she felt uncomfortable about taking out more student loans, she used her personal savings, TSP, and credit card accounts. It was not until January 2000 that the CTP was implemented.

"I had just about exhausted my own personal financial resources and was now contemplating reducing my class schedule," recalls Gant. "CTP paid for four of my classes. On May 20, 2001, I graduated with a 3.55 grade point average, with a Bachelor of Arts degree."

The process
Supervisors must review the applications and indicate whether they would or would not recommend the training. The application is then evaluated by the CTP Review Board and recommendations are given to the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Training and Development (OTD). Response letters will be sent to all applicants once OTD has selected the CTP recipients.

Class attendance will be on the employee's personal time. Books, fees, travel, or travel-related expenses are not funded. Recipients of CTP must provide documentation to their supervisors upon successful completion of the course.

Courses selected by the employee must be job-related to be considered for the CTP. CTP operates only three times a year during the fall, spring, and summer semesters with an allowance of one class per semester.

For more information on the program, application deadlines, or to receive your application package, contact Robert Frierson in the Office of Training and Development, at 202-927-3448.