The Commonwealth of Virginia is forging a direct path to employment through their innovative G3 tuition assistance program, and it is transforming the state’s health care workforce.
The Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back initiative, known as G3, is a last-dollar scholarship that reduces the typical annual tuition of $4,902 for full-time health care studies undergraduates enrolled in state community colleges to zero when combined with other financial aid. For students receiving the maximum Pell Grant, G3 provides additional financial support, allowing participants to balance education, family responsibilities, and career advancement. By covering tuition, books, and even living expenses, the program has eliminated financial barriers for aspiring health care professionals, offering a pathway to success through the state’s 23 community colleges.
“Health care is the fastest-growing industry in the United States,” notes the Virginia’s Community Colleges website. “Every single community college in Virginia offers health care training, from entry level positions to specialized fields like nursing and pharmacy.”
As the need for health care professionals continues to soar nationwide, roles such as nursing assistants, pharmacy technicians, and medical insurance coding specialists are among the most indemand positions. The G3 program ensures Virginia is addressing this challenge by enabling more people to attend college and receive the necessary health sciences credentials.
The program also emphasizes career flexibility, offering opportunities for students to earn and stack certifications in various fields. Graduates can pursue careers as dental hygienists, paramedics, veterinary assistants, or phlebotomy technicians, among others.
By providing financial aid and comprehensive training, G3 creates opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education. The program specifically targets households with incomes below $111,000, ensuring broad access.
For full-time student parents, the combination of tuition assistance and cost-of-living benefits is a game changer. “G3 allows students to focus on their education while taking care of their families,” the program’s website highlights. Students must maintain academic performance and stay on track to complete their program within three years, but they are allowed breaks in between semesters while remaining eligible for the scholarship.
With its focus on affordability, flexibility, and workforce development, G3 not only equips students with the skills they need for high-demand careers but also empowers them to give back to their communities. Through addressing financial inequities and supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds, the program is fostering a more robust, inclusive health care system.
