The Virginia G3 program has been around for a little more than two years and has helped thousands of students pursue a degree or certificate without worrying about the cost of tuition. To close out 2023, we’re sharing just a few success stories from students who took the leap and made their dreams come true with the help of G3 tuition assistance:
I am a 37-year-old mom of four. I began working as a substitute teacher in the fall of 2022 and quickly fell in love with being in the classroom. The realization that our students need help was also impactful. There are so many children who are behind academically. Because of that, I decided to go back to school to pursue teaching. I’m currently working on my associate degree in early childhood education and plan to transfer to a four-year university to obtain my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I hope to become a kindergarten or first grade teacher.
-Lauren D., Danville Community College, Early Childhood Education
The G3 grant has given me a second chance at pursuing an education in the healthcare field. When I got out the military I went to a for-profit fast track school, and they used up all my GI Bill. I was left with nothing and no degree because of how fast the programs ran. I’m so thankful and grateful for the G3 grant. I plan on giving back to the community and hopefully becoming a nurse in my local community.
-Taniel H., Rappahannock Community College, Nursing
I have been out of college for nearly 20 years but really wanted to continue my education in the field of griefwork so I can better serve my community as a peer grief counselor. I had no idea that a certificate existed, so when I found this, I was very excited. However, funding was a real obstacle. I’m a mom of five, and two of them are in college as well! There was no way I could afford to take classes myself. The G3 program has made all this possible and my experience at Brightpoint has been wonderful. I’m looking forward to completing the program and being able to provide needed resources in my rural community.
-Jordana L., Brightpoint Community College, Bereavement and Grief Counseling Certificate
The G3 grant has been a blessing because it’s allowed me to get the financial support to start and continue my studies in industrial technology. It’s given me access to great trade classes at my community college and paid for the classes in full. I was given access to study in HVAC, Electrical, Welding and other areas related to construction work. With the funding, it has taken pressure off me as a student and my parents to pay for tuition. I’m glad this is a program for the select programs to help students focus on their education and support the next generation of workers to help build the Commonwealth of Virginia.
-Johnny G., Eastern Shore Community College, Industrial Technology
I’ve wanted to go back to school for cybersecurity for a while – but I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford tuition on my own, or another student loan. When I found out about this program, I immediately applied for it and started talking to counselors at Germanna to see if I qualified. Now, thanks to G3, I can just focus on learning and keeping my grades up instead of worrying about my financial standing.
-Tusa L., Germanna Community College, Cybersecurity
