Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today Virginia’s award of over $3.4 million from the United States Department of Labor to provide veterans with community college credits for their past military service and training, coursework to obtain additional skills and credentials, and mentors at the community colleges to help veterans navigate through higher education, including admissions and financial aid.
“Virginia’s Community Colleges are honored to have been selected by the United States Department of Labor to receive funds that will provide short and long-term benefits to Virginia’s veterans,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “This grant will enable veterans to gain additional skills and credentials to position them for jobs and careers through which they can support a family.”
Funds will also focus on helping Virginia businesses connect with qualified, job-seeking veterans. A program will be established to maintain strategic relationships with employers in Virginia’s three fastest-growing sectors: healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
The federal funding comes as Virginia’s veteran population is growing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the commonwealth will be home to nearly 850,000 veterans by the year 2017, ranking it fifth in the nation in terms of veteran population. Virginia ranks seventh in that category today.
Assisting veterans with job training through Virginia’s Community Colleges is a well-suited match. In the 2012-13 academic year, a record-setting 40,827 students with military status enrolled in a Virginia community college, including active duty service members, reservists, retirees, and veteran spouses and dependents.
“As we commemorate flag day this month, I can think of no greater action than to assist those who have defended that flag to reestablish their lives at home and get back to work,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Over the life of this funding, Virginia’s Community Colleges will work with state partners through a steering committee to ensure strong results. The Governor will call upon representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s Office, and the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to assist with the initiative.
To learn more about career opportunities for veterans, please visit the Workforce Development Departments at Virginia’s 23 Community Colleges.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.
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