With bipartisan support, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s tuition-free community college initiative, “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3),” was signed into legislation last week.
Beginning July 1, low- and middle-income community college students working towards degrees in information technology and computer science, early childhood education, manufacturing and skilled trades, health care or public safety can qualify for financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition, textbooks and other fees.
“The G3 program will connect thousands of Virginians with the skills, training and resources they need to secure jobs in high-demand fields and support themselves and their families—all without being forced to shoulder mountains of student debt,” said Northam.
To be eligible for G3, students must apply for federal or state funding programs such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be Virginia residents. Additionally, their household incomes cannot surpass 400% of the federal poverty line—equating to an income of $100,000 for a family of four.
Pell-eligible full-time students can also receive wraparound financial assistance for transportation, childcare and food expenses. Grants would equate to $900 per semester and up to $450 per summer term, Northam reported.
“G3 is transformational: it puts a college degree that leads to a meaningful career within reach of the full diversity of the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Anne M. Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). “An investment in community college students is an investment in Virginia, one that will help families find economic security while helping the state achieve economic growth.”
Over 8,000 current students at NOVA meet the program’s income threshold, she said.
