Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam proposed a plan to make community college free for residents from low- or middle-income backgrounds going into particular fields with skilled labor shortages in Virginia.
He announced his $145 million proposal – “G3” or “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” – at Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale campus on last Thursday, The Washington Post reported. Northam plans to bring his overall budget plan before the Virginia legislature on Tuesday.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to get a good education and a good job, no matter who you are or how much money you have,” Northam said in a statement. “This is an investment in equity and our economy – by helping Virginians get the skills they need, we’re building a world-class workforce while ensuring all Virginians can support themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The plan offers funding toward tuition, fees and books after all other possible forms of financial aid have been applied. For students at the lowest income levels, it also provides support for expenses like childcare, transportation and food. Pell Grant recipients who are full-time students will receive a Student Support Incentive Grant, which can be up to $1,000 per semester and up to $500 for summer school.
“With rising tuition costs, many Virginians are opting out of higher education,” Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni said in a statement. “The G3 program provides affordable, accessible workforce pathways that will prepare the Commonwealth’s students for the growing number of high need jobs that do not require a four-year degree.”
For every hour of class credit, participating students would be required to perform two hours of community service.
Qualified applicants must be eligible for in-state tuition with less than or equal to a total income of 400% of the federal poverty level, about $100,000 for a family of four. Students will lose state funding under the program if they miss community service hours or their GPA falls below a 2.0.
