For our region to grow, it takes a community to make things happen. The Innovate Lynchburg board is excited to get behind Central Virginia Community College as a “G3 Ambassador”. Back in July of this year, the state launched a new initiative focusing on building a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of Virginia’s economy.
“Virginia’s economy has generated a record $77 billion in capital investment commitments across more than 850 projects, as businesses expand their footprint in Virginia and new companies move into the Commonwealth.” And from this, it is estimated that these statewide projects will create nearly 100,000 new jobs.
Right here in Lynchburg we have an emerging technology sector, but we have a large business community made up of advanced manufacturing, construction, engineering, renewable and nuclear energy. But, we also have an aging workforce and the demand for a new generation to take their ranks is in high demand.
To help our community, the G3 Program was designed to help skill that next generation.
So, what is G3?!
G3 is a tuition assistance program for any Virginia resident who qualifies for in-state financial aid and whose family income falls below an identified threshold. G3 can be used for designated programs in five of Virginia’s most in-demand industries: Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety and Skilled Trades.
When you’re receiving G3 funding, you’re on a “stackable” pathway, which means that most programs start with skills training that leads to a certificate that has immediate value in the job market. And because that certificate is part of an applied associate degree program, a working student can continue to “stack” additional certificates on the pathway to an associate degree.
If you are a Virginia resident who meets the requirements below, you are eligible for G3:
- Qualifies for in-state financial aid
- Has a total household income of less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly an income of $100,000 for a family of four)
- Is enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours at your local community college
- Has earned a high school diploma or GED
- Is enrolled in a designated G3 program
- Has applied for federal and/or state financial aid
What’s the catch? Is this free Community College?
G3 provides tuition assistance if you are under a specific income level – and only for specific educational programs. G3 is also a “last dollar” program, which means after other grant aid is taken into consideration first. G3 assistance makes up the difference, so if you meet all the eligibility requirements, it would bring your total out-of-pocket costs to $0.
Next Steps
If you would like to know more about the G3 Program, click on the button below and get in touch with CVCC today!
