The line of people waiting at the Pueblo County Housing and Human Services Department wrapped around the building Thursday. They were not waiting to buy tickets to the latest blockbuster movie, nor were they there to buy tickets to a great musical act coming to town. Instead, they were hoping to get their hands on a ticket to a better future, through a program that would give them access to high demand jobs.

The Housing and Human Services Department is offering 240 determined individuals a free ride for one semester at Pueblo Community College. They'll pay for tuition, books, fees, labs, and any remedial courses the student may need. The catch is, the student will have to chose from one of 10 programs that offer a mini-certificate. If they complete the semester long program, they should walk away with three certifications in an industry that is in high demand.

The first person in line showed up at 6:30 a.m. Thursday. Applications were not accepted until 11:00 a.m. and by 4:00 p.m. 260 applications had been processed. Mario Gonzalez showed up at 8:00 a.m. and was third in line when the doors opened. "I brought all my info, [my] diploma, you know, everything. Had everything ready to go," says Gonzalez. As he left the Housing and Human Services building, Gonzalez said his next stop was to see a student advisor at Pueblo Community College.

Only five people did not qualify, Thursday, and the Housing and Human Services department says they are pleased by the turn out. They also say, if you did not turn in an application Thursday, you may still be able to participate. A waiting list has begun. Now it is up to those who have initially qualified to follow through with the process.