ROANOKE, Va. – This text is a part of “Solutionaries,” our persevering with dedication to options journalism, highlighting the artistic folks in communities working to make the world a greater place, one resolution at a time. Discover out what you are able to do to assist at SolutionariesNetwork.com.

The worth tag of school can typically be daunting. Hundreds of {dollars} spent on tuition, books, and boarding, can result in mounting scholar debt. However what if we advised you it’s doable to go free of charge? We’re working so that you can clarify why a deal with Virginia’s most in-demand industries could possibly be the reply.

“After I see the nurse taking good care of the affected person, I actually wish to be considered one of them,” mentioned Thanh Nguyen, a medical assistant at Carilion Clinic however her journey wasn’t straightforward. “When our household first got here to the nation, my dad received actually sick and had been hospitalized in Carilion for a few years so [the] healthcare atmosphere wasn’t too unusual for me.”

She began a nursing program however that didn’t work out.

“After I utilized for this system, I wasn’t a US citizen. So it will likely be costlier for me. Will probably be tougher for me to have the ability to be in this system,” mentioned Nguyen.

That’s when an advisor at Virginia Western Group Faculty advised her in regards to the G3 program. It may be used at any of Virginia’s 23 neighborhood faculties for designated packages in 5 of probably the most in-demand industries: Early Childhood Training, Healthcare, Data Know-how, Public Security, and Expert Trades.

Inside every of these industries, there are totally different packages they will select from that qualify. For example, in healthcare, there are 9 totally different levels at Virginia Western together with nursing, radiation oncology, surgical expertise, bodily remedy assistant, and medical lab expertise.

The aim is to offer a pipeline of expert staff in these high-demand areas.

“It actually will assist the financial system of the Roanoke Valley by having extra staff which are educated, properly educated,” mentioned Dr. Elizabeth Wilmer, the Vice President of Pupil and Tutorial Affairs at Virginia Western.

She says there are some limitations. To qualify, it’s a must to:

• be a Virginia resident,

• take at the very least six credit a semester,

• apply for monetary help utilizing the FAFSA, the place you’re going to get monetary help or every other scholarships and grants you qualify for.

“Then G3 pays for the remainder of their tuition, charges, books, and in the event that they qualify for full monetary help, it would give them a stipend,” mentioned Wilmer.

A stipend that can be utilized for dwelling bills.

The G3 program helps in two methods. It helps employers get the folks they should run a enterprise nevertheless it additionally helps college students pay for faculty.

Since final summer season, Virginia Western has used G3 funding to offer $1.22 million in help to 1,336 college students. On the workforce facet, G3 up to now has helped 27 college students acquire credentials and funded college students in CCMA, Pharm Tech, EKG Tech, Phlebotomy, Welding, HEO, Mechatronics Fundamentals, and Machining.

Throughout all 23 Virginia neighborhood faculties for the 2021-22 educational 12 months:

• 11,084 VCCS college students obtained practically $14.9 million in G3 tuition help,

• 75% (8,272) of the G3 college students enrolled in credit score packages that result in a postsecondary diploma or certificates, whereas the remaining quarter (2,867) had been enrolled in noncredit Workforce Credential Grant (WCG) packages that result in third-party licensure or certification.

Virginia Group faculties providing free lessons by means of the G3 initiative, you may be taught extra about that by visiting: https://virginiag3.com/

This story is a part of a program at WSLS 10, “Solutionaries.” Options provide hope and that’s the idea of Solutionaries, a present from our dad or mum firm, Graham Media Group, specializing in those that are taking over a few of our greatest challenges. Every episode focuses on efficient responses to issues and gives viewers methods they will be a part of the hassle for constructive change.

This month, we’re speaking about labor, the workforce and what’s being performed to recruit and maintain staff. You may watch it beginning Wednesday, October 5 at 8 p.m.

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