$30 Million to Support Workforce Training for Unemployed Virginians

Governor Ralph Northam has announced that Virginia is allocating $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars to help Virginians whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis pursue workforce training in a high-demand field. The new Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative will provide scholarships to eligible individuals to enroll in a workforce or community college program in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety, and early childhood education.

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is among the recipients for the scholarship funds. The deadline to apply and enroll at DSLCC for REV funding is December 10.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity for individuals in our area to get retrained into a high demand program and earn an industry recognized credential,” said Dr. John Rainone, DSLCC President. “We thank the Governor for his support of our workforce and of our community colleges.”

“Virginians who have been furloughed, had hours reduced, or lost a job because of the pandemic are struggling and wondering what the future holds,” said Governor Northam. “Investing in programs that help people develop skills in high-demand fields is a win for workers, employers, and our economy. As we focus on recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic, the new REV initiative will give Virginians the resources they need to get back on their feet and help ensure that our Commonwealth emerges from this public health crisis even stronger than we were before.”

The initiative will provide one-time REV scholarships of up to $3,000 for students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Students enrolled part-time (less than 12 credits) in career training degree programs or in a short-term workforce training program, can receive up to $1,500.

“If you have lost your job, or seen a reduction in your hours and paycheck, Virginia’s community colleges want to help you,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “The REV initiative offers you another way into the short-term credential and degree programs that prepare you for a high-demand career. These opportunities will be more affordable than ever before thanks to these grants, and we look forward to helping individuals and families who want to move forward, beyond the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Interested individuals need to apply and enroll by the December 10, 2020, enrollment deadline. Workforce training programs are starting now and the spring semester starts January 19, 2021. Information about eligibility criteria and applying for a REV scholarship is available online at www.vccs.edu/rev or contact DSLCC directly at (540) 863-2820.