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 us the opportunity to highlight the successes of G3 and share how it has made a real difference for students across the state.
In its first year, G3 tuition assistance helped about 10,000 students students cover their college tuition costs. While statistics can paint a clear picture of G3’s impact, hearing from students directly about how enrolling in a G3 program helped change their lives can be much more powerful.
Everyone has their personal reasons for taking the leap and enrolling in G3 through one of Virginia’s Community Colleges, but when students started sharing their experiences with us, we realized there were some common themes.
Here are some of the top reasons students found success with G3 in their own words.
Affordability
“I had a full load of classes and my Pell grant didn’t cover everything, like programs and equipment, but I was able to obtain those things with G3. Because of it, I can successfully complete the semester.” – Tonia S. Skilled trades
Even when people feel ready to take the next step towards a new career, tuition costs can be a huge hurtle. As a “last-dollar” program, participants receive what they need to bring their tuition balance down to $0 after other federal, state and local aid is accounted for. With G3, you can focus on what’s important – receiving your degree or certificate and heading right into the workforce, without debt weighing you down.
Changing Careers
“I am a single dad who is making a career shift. I became a volunteer EMT a few years ago then began working as a private transport EMT. I want to expand my skills so I can better serve my local community as a 911 paramedic. Because of G3, I can afford to obtain the certifications needed to reach my goals.” -Nicholas P. Healthcare
Many students who enrolled in G3 had been contemplating changing careers for years. Whether they were ready to make more money for their families, found themselves inspired to serve others in response to the pandemic or simply were ready for a fresh start, G3 was there to help offset the costs. Whatever your reason is for wanting to change careers, G3 is a great tool to get you there.
Exploring Your Passions
“I have been wanting to be a medical coder since I began my career in health care in 2017 but have been unable to afford school. One night I saw a post about the G3 bill on Facebook. I looked it up and it turned out to be true. I signed up and have been loving it.” – Sarah N. Healthcare
Several G3 students have long been interested in pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT or early childhood education, but haven’t had the funds to pursue the training. Each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges has a list of approved G3 programs – and the program offerings will vary from college to college to match the local business needs in the community. If you’ve been interested in pursuing a career in one of Virginia’s high-demand fields, now’s the time!
Just Getting Started
“I am a single mother of a 6-year-old and I just started my college journey. With the help of my wonderful advisor, I was informed about the G3 program. Since going back to school I have made the Dean’s List and I am able to work in a daycare doing what I love to do most.” – Shakira F. Early Childhood Education
Success isn’t a straight line, and everyone’s path will look different. If you didn’t pursue higher education after high school but are at a time in your life where you feel ready, G3 is available to full – and part-time students, giving you the flexibility and financial freedom you need to achieve your goals without sacrificing what’s important.
If one of these G3 success stories resonated with you, learn more about G3 funding and what options are available where you live. Visit Learn how to Qualify and Programs for more information.
