ALEXANDRIA, VA (GNB): Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed legislation creating the “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” program on Monday.
Also known as the “G3” program, the initiative makes tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields.
The G3 program includes $36 million to cover tuition, fees, and books and provide wraparound support for eligible students at the Commonwealth’s two-year public institutions, the statement said.
Governor Northam signed House Bill 2204, carried by Speaker of the House of Delegates Eileen Filler-Corn, and Senate Bill 1405, carried by Senator Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, during a ceremony at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. The identical bills which establish and fund the G3 program passed in the House and Senate with broad bipartisan support.
“Building an equitable and inclusive economy is more important than ever as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Governor Northam. “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. Tuition-free community college was one of the key issues I ran on during my campaign for governor, and I am thrilled to be delivering on that promise.”
The program is one of the first in the nation to provide financial assistance for students at the lowest income levels with expenses like child care, transportation and food.
Students who quality for a full federal Pell grant and enroll full-time will receive student-support incentive grants on a semester basis.
Eligibility for the G3 program is decided through the submission of financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Virginia students and families can click here to schedule a virtual meeting with a FAFSA advisor. For more information about how to enroll in the G3 program, students are encouraged to reach out to their local community college.
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