Career Outlook: Exploring Culinary Opportunities in Virginia
In recent years, Virginia has gained well-deserved recognition for its vibrant and rapidly growing food scene. Whether you’re interested in working at a local farm-to-table…
How Soft Skills Can Help You Transition into a New Career
A common hesitation people have when considering a career switch is whether they have the technical experience needed to be a strong applicant. While technical…
High School Diploma vs. Certifications vs. Degrees
Over the years, Virginia’s workforce has continued to expand, opening the door for thousands of new job opportunities in high-demand industries such as skilled trades,…
What it Takes to be a Professional in Hospitality and Culinary Industries
Whether you’re handling guest relations at a hotel, managing a team of servers and bartenders or planning a new menu for your restaurant, working in…
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in College
Pursuing a degree or certification is an exciting opportunity to learn new skills and prepare for a rewarding career. However, juggling college courses alongside other…
Creating an End-of-Year Reflection
It might be hard to believe, but it’s nearing the end of 2024. The last days of the year are a great chance to pause,…
Affordable Education for Busy Adults: Why G3 is the Perfect Fit
Thinking about going back to school as a parent or making a career change can feel overwhelming—especially when tuition costs are part of the equation.…
Unlocking Success in Virginia’s Culinary and Hospitality Industries
Once known simply for its rich history, Virginia is reinventing itself as a hub recognized for culinary and hospitality excellence. According to the Virginia Tourism…
2024 G3 Student Success Stories
The Virginia G3 program has helped thousands of students across Virginia pursue a degree or certificate without worrying about the cost of tuition. As we…
Courses You Can Take While Pursuing a Hospitality or Culinary Arts Program Through G3
Virginia has an abundance of historical, cultural and natural attractions and tourists don’t want to miss out. In fact, Virginia’s tourism industry generated $33.3 billion…
A Legacy of Care: Jaycee’s Journey Through Respiratory Therapy at Mountain Empire Community College
Inspired by her grandmother’s educational success, Jaycee enrolled in Mountain Empire Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program. Now following in her grandmother’s footsteps, Jaycee plans to…
Empowering Change: Wendi’s Mission to Protect Children Online
Social media is one of the world’s most powerful tools. It can help form connections around the world, grow businesses and start careers. Unfortunately, a…
Overcoming the Odds: How Jason Found Stability and Success with the Help of G3
Because rural areas often have limited access to four-year universities, community colleges can offer an entry point into higher education for students, and even help…
Guiding Futures: Pauline’s Journey as a Mountain Empire Community College G3 Advisor
With a degree in human services, Pauline always knew she wanted to help her community thrive. But if you had told her that she would…
Finding a Passion for Patient Care with G3
After graduating high school with her associate’s degree through dual enrollment, Haley Zirkle found her calling by enrolling in a nursing program using G3 tuition…
Guiding Students to Success: Insights from G3 Advisors at Mountain Empire Community College
It’s always exciting to connect with G3 students, but what about the staff and faculty that are advising and teaching these students? We had the…
How Cindy Turned a Free Education into a Career Fighting Elder Abuse
We connected with Cindy Earl back in 2022 about her path to studying criminal justice and owning her own private investigation firm in Portsmouth. As…
How Cal Found Their Path Forward Through Virginia’s Community Colleges
Cal had no idea what they wanted to do after high school, but they didn’t let that stop them from continuing their education. After high…
Reaching the Finish Line: Briana’s Path to Motorsport Engineering
When you think about programs you can pursue through Virginia’s Community Colleges, what comes to mind? Probably not motorsport engineering. While this may be a…
Finding a Career Close to Home with G3 Tuition Assistance
Kathleen Turner became a student at Eastern Shore Community College in 2010 for the first time. She had attended a four-year university for three years…
Finding a Deeper Calling With the Help of G3 Tuition Assistance
Masyn’s journey from Connecticut to Virginia signaled a significant shift in her pursuit of a career centered on helping others. Her story, intertwined with her…
From Bachelor’s to Master’s to an Associate Degree, a Full Circle Journey
Deidra was no stranger to higher education. She had two advanced degrees, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in psychology, but she always had…
Persevering Through Adversity, and Paving the Way for Others
LaTonya first enrolled at one of Virginia’s Community Colleges in 2014, but life got in the way and her road back to school wasn’t the…
Jordana Luck: A Lifelong Dedication to Learning
Jordana Luck—a Smithfield, Virginia native— was surprised when her educational journey took an unexpected turn after completing her master’s degree in 2005, raising five children…
From Student to Staff in 30 Days: How Jordan Went from Student to IT Support at TCC
Jordan got a head start as a dual enrollment high school student, but he still had to navigate financial barriers when he started community college.…
Turning a Passion for Computers into a Career with the Help of G3
JaLena grew up loving everything to do with technology, computers and robotics. Thanks to G3 tuition assistance, she was able to turn that passion into…
Reaching New Heights with the Crane Operator Program
You don’t have to travel far to understand the critical role skilled trades play in our infrastructure. From heavy equipment to commercial trucks, these operators…
2023 G3 Student Success Stories
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…
Joshua’s Journey from Patient Care Tech to Respiratory Therapy
We love having the opportunity to speak with students who are currently enrolled or have recently completed a G3 program. One of those students is…
Resources for Nontraditional Students Through Virginia’s Community Colleges
One of the things that makes community college so great is the various types of students on campus. From recent high school graduates and parents…
How AI Will Impact Virginia’s Most In-Demand Industries
While the term “Artificial Intelligence” was coined in 1955, it wasn’t until the launch of ChatGPT by Open AI in November 2022 that leaders across…
Mid-Semester Check-In: Recharge and Finish Strong
Congrats! You’ve officially reached the halfway point of the semester, and it’s the perfect time to take a breather, reflect on your progress and set…
More Courses You Can Take While Pursuing a Public Safety Program Through G3
Public safety careers play a fundamental role in maintaining the well-being and security of society. This doesn’t just pertain to frontline responders, but to the…
A Promising Job Outlook in Virginia: Healthcare, IT, Public Safety, Early Childhood Education and Skilled Trades
Virginia offers diverse career opportunities that are expected to continue expanding across the state. According to the Virginia Employment Commission, employment is projected to grow…
More Courses You Can Take While Pursuing a Healthcare Program Through G3
Embarking on a career in healthcare is an exciting and rewarding pursuit, one that requires a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. Pursuing a healthcare…
Testimonials: Making the Most of Virginia’s Community Colleges
Whether you’ve already started classes or you’re still contemplating if community college is right for you, the beginning of a new semester is the perfect…
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health in College
Pursuing a degree or certification is an exciting time to learn new skills and prepare for a new career. But adding college classes to your…
Home is Where the Heart Is: A Buildable Future at Nationwide Homes
With multiple locations across the Southeast—including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Georgia— Nationwide Homes has been a leader in constructing homes…
Virginia Workforce Summer Headlines
Some exciting announcements have been made this summer that will impact Virginia’s workforce today – and for years to come. Because these changes could have…
It’s Not About Cleaning Teeth: What it Takes to be a Dental Hygienist
As one of the founders of the dental hygiene program at Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) in Hampton, Va., Dr. Kelly Tanner, RDH is, not…
Constructing a Dream Career at The Branch Group
In a world with so many options, it can be hard to find an internship or career path that just feels –right. However, if you…
Set Your Career in Stone at Boxley Materials Company
Have you ever thought about what goes into the construction of the roads you drive on, the bridges you cross and the buildings you walk…
A Future at Delta Star: The Largest Electric Supplier in the United States
From its origins in 1908, Delta Star has had its eye on transforming American life by creating reliable electric technology. Today, Delta Star’s formidable workforce…
What it Takes to be a…HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. As an integral maintenance service to modern businesses and homes,…
Courses You Can Take Pursuing an IT Program Through G3
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in information technology are projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than…
Cultivate a Meaningful Career at Cloudfit Software
When it comes to improving the lives of clients and team members by simplifying what is often a complex and confusing digital world, CloudFit, located…
Women in STEM: Accupoint Business Solutions is Leading the Way
The number of women working in the architecture and engineering field has grown 222% since 1980. And while that statistic is amazing, today, women only…
What it Takes to be a… Network Administrator
It’s a great time to enter the world of Information Technology in Virginia. It might surprise many people to learn that, while it’s ideal to…
Amherst County Sheriff’s Office: Pursuing a Life of Service with G3
With the help of G3, an affordable, accessible and high-quality education has never been easier to pursue. And for students with a desire to protect…
Balancing Technology with the American Hofmann Corporation
Do you enjoy working with cutting-edge technology and tackling challenging tasks in the workplace? Consider a career at the American Hofmann Corporation, a leader in…
Courses You Can Take Pursuing a Healthcare Program Through G3
Virginia will always need healthcare professionals to study, diagnose and treat illnesses and improve overall health outcomes for our communities. Healthcare is a wide-spanning industry…
What it Takes to be an… Early Childhood Educator
There are a lot of things that go into being an educator, and it’s not just knowing the curriculum. While the list below talks about…
Creating a Culture of Care: Clinch Valley Health
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, and in the wake of a pandemic, the current global health crisis and the increased…
Customer and Employee Satisfaction Come First at Virginia Metalfab
If you’re in the Appomattox area and hoping to get your hands dirty at a company that gives back to the local community and is…
Join the Next Generation of Skilled Workers at Southern Air
Are you a natural problem-solver who enjoys working with machinery and is looking for a career in an in-demand industry? Your future could be in…
Pursuing Early Childhood Education Through G3? Here are Five Courses That Should be on Your Radar
There are tons of myths swirling around about early childhood education. One of the most popular misconceptions is that early childhood educators are just babysitters…
Investing in Public Safety and STEM Education at CTA Consultants
Have you ever considered exploring the public safety or STEM education field? If you’re interested in engineering and project management services and have an appreciation…
Aerofin: 100 Years in the Manufacturing Business
Imagine this. It’s the first freeze of the year. Whether you’re a small business with an every day thermostat or a large corporation that has…
Courses You Can Take Pursuing Skilled Trades and Manufacturing Through G3
You may have the misconception that having a successful career means sitting behind a desk from 9-5, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.…
From Bachelor’s to Associate: Switching Gears for a Specialized Career
Just because you get a bachelor’s degree, doesn’t mean that’s the final step in the journey. Sure, you can advance to higher education, like a…
Rewrite Your Story With G3
After becoming a young mother, Tawny Tanner didn’t feel like higher education was an option for her. Between working full-time and raising a family, her…
Life Hack: Chasing a Career in Cybersecurity
Are you a technical thinker and natural problem solver who enjoys thinking outside of the box? If you shouted an internal ‘yes!’ then cybersecurity might…
Physical Therapy Student Finds Upward Mobility Through G3
When you’re going to school AND working a job on top of that, every little bit of support helps. For Hannah, as she was studying…
Enroll in a G3 Program in Three Simple Steps
Virginia’s Community Colleges offers G3 tuition assistance at all 23 of its community colleges. So, while it’s easier than ever to find a G3 program…
G3 and the Need for Skilled Workers
There is a time and a place for a general studies associate degree or that bachelor’s in philosophy, but for the thousands of open jobs…
Creating an End-of-Year Reflection
It’s nearing the end of the year, which is a perfect time to take a few quiet moments and think about what you’re hoping to…
Don’t take our word for it, here’s what folks on the internet say about Virginia’s G3 program
The Virginia G3 program has been around for just over a year, and in that time, over 11,000 students have had their tuition bills brought…
Courses You’ll Take Pursuing Public Safety Through G3
Whether it’s by fighting fires, maintaining law and order or supporting individuals through times of crisis, the collective goal of those in public safety careers…
Six Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Dream Position
Whether you’re interviewing for an internship or in the process of picking out the ultimate power outfit to secure your dream job after graduation, knowing…
Children’s Harbor Sets the Bar High for Early Childhood Education in Hampton Roads
Children’s Harbor isn’t your typical daycare center. Sure, the non-profit provides basic care services to children but unlike other places, the organization embodies the child…
For the Cost of Two Polo Shirts, You Too Can be a Paramedic
Nick Pollak became a volunteer EMT five years ago on a whim. And after a while, he was volunteering more hours at the station than…
Culture First, Then Skills at Carter Meyers Automotive
Time and again, we’ve heard that technical skills can be taught, but compassion and a willingness to learn is innate – you either have it…
A Day in the Life: G3 Student Turned Private Investigator
With so many statistics surrounding college enrollment, financial aid and career outlook, it’s easy to lose sight of the people and their inspiring stories behind…
Five Jobs in Skilled Trades You Can Get Through G3
Due to advancing technology and automation, jobs such as data entry clerks and warehouse workers are not as in demand as they once were. As…
How Transferable Skills Can Help You Land a New Career
If you’re ready for a new career but it feels like you’re doing a 180 from your current occupation, don’t let that hinder you. You…
Making Meaningful Connections in a Digital World
It’s undeniable that our lives are becoming more digital every day. We use our devices to read the news, interact on social media, pay our…
From High School to Higher Education: Three Ways to Prepare for G3
If you’re entering your senior year of high school, you likely already have a list of to-dos to mark off before you walk across the…
Community Resources for Your Local Job Market
Are you looking to pursue an in-demand career close to home, but unsure of what industries are hiring in your community? You’ve come to the…
Three Early Childhood Education Roles Within a Childcare Provider Setting
With an early childhood education associate degree, you can work in a variety of settings – including public and private settings, church-based programs – even…
Opportunities for Growth at Digital One Technology
It feels as though our lives are becoming more digitized every day, so it may not come as a surprise that Information Technology is one…
Specialized Healthcare Careers to Explore Outside of Nursing
Are you interested in pursuing a career in the medical field? Healthcare is a wide-spanning industry that encompasses a variety of specialized jobs beyond medical…
How to Stay Organized & Set Yourself Up for Success Throughout the Semester
For some students the first week of classes is exciting and full of possibility. For others, it can be overwhelming to receive a syllabus from…
Freedom 4/24: Internships – Investing in Your Future
G3 offers a variety of different educational paths for students with a passion to help others. From human services credentials to public safety certifications, there…
How the Bedford County Office of Economic Development Connects Students with Opportunities Right in Their Community
Here at Virginia’s Community Colleges, we know how important it is to connect students with the resources they need– especially when it comes to finding…
High-demand Industries Across Virginia’s Regions
When it comes to G3, programs are based on the needs in local communities. That’s why the G3-eligible programs offered in your area may be…
How G3 Has Helped Make College More Affordable and Accessible for Virginians in Just One Year
This month, the G3 tuition assistance program is celebrating its first full year of helping make college more affordable for Virginians. This important milestone gives…
WestRock: Innovation for All
When it comes to packaging innovation, WestRock is leading the charge in Virginia and beyond. The company has a long history of entrepreneurship, leadership and…
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Helps the Region Thrive
It’s always great to have an advocate, and if you’re a business, student or working individual in the Lynchburg area, you can count on the…
Here’s the Ultimate Summer Checklist to Help Prepare You for the Upcoming Semester
Between beach days, outdoor adventures and spending time with family and friends, your next semester at community college is likely the last thing on your…
Keep Your G3 Skills Sharp with a Summer Internship, Externship or Volunteering Opportunity
According to social media, summer is the time to lounge by the pool, throw your worries aside and just relax. Well, for many of us,…
Stacking Skills and Climbing the Ladder at Lynchburg Nissan
The G3 tuition assistance program is connected to educational pathways that are based on steps. You earn a certification – check. You earn another certification…
Public Safety Programs & Careers That Aren’t on the Frontlines
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public safety but concerned about being on the frontlines? Luckily for you, G3 has a collection of…
Centra Health: A Career with a Calling
When it comes to saving lives, there are no small roles. The healthcare industry is comprised of more than just doctors, nurses and CT technologists.…
Virginia Career Works Central Region Works for Virginians
Remember when we were young, all we wanted to do was to grow up so we could be an adult and make our own decisions?…
How Summer Classes Can Help You Get Ahead of the Game
As the spring semester at most colleges and universities roll to a close, many students are likely anticipating lying by the pool or taking a…
Six IT & Cybersecurity Jobs You Can Get Through G3
Since the 90s, computers and the Internet have become an integral part of our day-to-day lives. So, it comes as no surprise that careers in…
Attitude & Willingness to Learn: Why This Mechanical Contractor Values Soft Skills
According to Monster’s The Future of Work 2022 Global Report, the most important skills employers are looking for in potential candidates include communication, dependability, teamwork and…
The Soft Skills You Need to Land a Good Career
When you find a position that interests you, you’ll typically check to see if it’s with a company you admire, the position’s earning potential, and…
Cadence, Inc: Guaranteed interviews, work/life balance and a culture that cares
When you think about the healthcare industry, your brain may go directly to scrubs and lab coats, but for the folks at Cadence, Inc. in…
Five Things You Thought You Knew About Skilled Trade Jobs
The narrative that you must get a four-year degree to be successful has long been ingrained into our society. Despite popular belief, a university isn’t…
The Children’s Center: Calling All Educators
Did you know that your Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree can take you beyond the traditional classroom setting? Students interested in this rewarding career path…
Use G3 Tuition Assistance for Online Learning Through Virginia’s Community Colleges
Pursuing your education has never been easier! And by enrolling in online classes, you’ll have the flexibility to study from anywhere with wi-fi. Even with…
CMA Hyundai of Lynchburg: Forget What You Knew About Automotive Technicians
Editor’s Note: At the time of this writing, CMA Hyundai of Lynchburg was known as Craft Hyundai. Today’s automotive maintenance industry isn’t what it used…
Squeamish? Here are five alternative healthcare careers that don’t involve blood
Healthcare careers have been an integral part of our society from the dawn of time. And while many people will reference doctors, nurses, EMTs and…
Putting the craft back in craftsmanship with Shickel Corporation
Across Virginia, if you know where to look, you’ll see intricate, beautiful, functional metal work. You may see it standing in front of an elevator.…
Public Safety Career Pathways at Virginia’s Community Colleges
There are 38 cities and 191 towns situated in 95 counties across Virginia, and as of last year, 8.67 million individuals made up those communities.…
It’s all in the hands: How to make an impression for one family-owned business
You can learn a lot about a prospective employee, no resume needed. You may hear about them from a friend in the industry. They may…
Three Careers with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Despite popular belief, your Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree can take you beyond traditional career paths. ECE classes equip students with a unique set of…
G3 Student Success Story: Getting a head start on an IT career
As more and more individuals and businesses rely on internet- and cloud-based technologies, more and more systems become vulnerable to hackers and dark agents. This…
Student Success Story: Single mother switches careers to construction trades
When you’re a parent, every day can feel like a race. You’re getting kids out the door, you’re going to a job (or two), you’re…
What’s the difference between a network administrator and system administrator?
There are many career opportunities in the information technology (IT) field. Choosing a path may seem complicated, but knowing the key differences between IT positions…
What’s the difference between a CNA (Certified Nursing Aid) and a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)?
The healthcare field, according to the Virginia Employment Commission, projects that healthcare and social assistance careers will be the leading industry in growth heading into…
5 Essential Skills for an Early Childhood Educator
Working in early childhood education can be one of life’s most gratifying experiences. Childcare workers play a vital role in developing educational and fun activities…
What is the difference between a paramedic and an EMT?
If you’ve ever required emergency medical care or found yourself watching any cop or medical drama on cable, the chances are high that you’ve witnessed…
Dental careers give you something to smile about
No matter how you feel as a patient about a trip to the dentist, there are a lot of things worth smiling about when you’re…
Skip the desk, help build Virginia’s foundation
Not everyone is interested in punching the clock, working nine to five behind a computer tip-tapping away at reports, spreadsheets and emails. For some, being…
Community College Resources You Should Know About
Between exams, papers and Zoom group projects, it can be easy to lose sight of why you started your community college journey in the first…
Madi’s Story: Making the Transition from Biology to Radiology with G3
If a career in healthcare is something you’re looking towards, radiology is worth a closer look. Among jobs in public health, radiology careers are climbing…
Information technology programs don’t just lead to “Big Tech” jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for information technology (IT) workers is expected to grow by 11% between 2019 and 2029, which means…
Fastest growing jobs in Virginia (that you can get through G3)
We talk a lot about high-demand and in-demand jobs in Virginia, but what does that mean? Economists and policymakers forecast job and hiring demands based on evolving industries and…
High school diploma vs. certifications vs. degrees
Are you spinning your wheels trying to figure out how to secure a better job and future for you and your family? Don’t worry, we…
How Five Students Found Their Way to (and Through) an Early Childhood Education Program
You’ve likely found this article because you’re looking for educational options for yourself, but how amazing is it that you’re looking to educate yourself to…
Healthcare jobs in Virginia, how the industry is evolving
If you search for healthcare jobs in Virginia right now on Indeed, you’ll see over 33,000 open positions, ranging from administrative jobs like scheduling and…
Three things to consider in a public safety program
Do you have a desire to protect and serve your community? If your answer is yes, then you may want to consider pursuing a degree…
The benefits of heading to community college
Whether you’re looking for a more affordable path to an education or simply trying to balance work, life and school, the benefits of community college…
Virginia’s Evolving Infrastructure (and How G3 Can Help)
Virginia infrastructure is growing and with the trillion dollar infrastructure bill moving through the legislature, Virginia could expect to receive $7 billion for highway programs…
