Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s proposed budget will include $145 million over the biennium to make tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields. It also would provide grants to cover expenses such as food, transportation and childcare to low-income college students.
The Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3) initiative will provide financial support to cover tuition, fees, and books for eligible students at Virginia’s two-year public colleges, Northam said Thursday.
“This is an investment in equity and our economy,” Northam said in making the announcement at Northern Virginia Community College. “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 G3 program is one of the first in the nation to provide wraparound financial assistance to help students at the lowest income levels, according to the proposal. Students who qualify for full Pell grants and enroll full-time will receive a Student Support Incentive Grant each semester of up to $1,000 ($500 for the summer term).