The Challenge: Affordability in Higher Education Many students interested in pursuing academic or workforce training programs face a significant obstacle: affordability. Tuition rates for higher education continue to see significant increases leaving those seeking a career change or skill upgrade wondering if it’s within reach. A…
Ethical hacking, certified nurse aide, arc metal welder. These careers all have technical skills that are attainable through FastForward training. Employers will look at a person’s ability to measure blood pressure or weld cylindrical, tack-welded pieces – but they’re also looking for certain “soft skills” that…
Earlier this week at Germanna Community College, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other state and local officials called Amazon Web Services’ $35 billion investment in Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and Louisa counties “transformational,” adding that related community college training will prepare local people of all ages for…
When students have questions, Jennifer Merrill has answers. As the student services manager at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA Workforce Development), Jennifer and her staff of Student Support Specialists help students narrow down broad career goals into attainable steps toward a FastForward credential. Whether students need…
Love is in the air this time of year, and while many people celebrate Valentine’s Day with fancy dinner reservations or weekend getaways, how about showing some love for the talented students and instructors helping to fill the talent pipeline in Virginia’s most high-demand industries. Whether…
If you’re looking to understand what all the buzz around the skilled trades, infrastructure, transportation or healthcare industries is about, you’ve come to the right place. See what makes FastForward special.
2023 was another impressive year of growth for FastForward. Since 2016, the short-term credential program has helped students living in Virginia earn more than 52,900 credentials in industries ranging from infrastructure to nursing. As Virginia continues to experience rapid economic growth and development with recent accolades…
Earlier this month, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education received a $250,000 grant from Transurban North America to support the Virginia Infrastructure Academy at Germanna Community College. Transurban is the operator of 95, 395, and 495 Express Lanes – all of which intertwine in Northern…
It’s officially the holiday season, and while you’re cherishing special moments with friends and family, it can be challenging managing a tight budget. Luckily, Virginia’s Community Colleges and its partners are here to support you now and throughout the year with emergency funding, food pantries, transportation,…
When Larry Botkins was asked to drive a tractor trailer during an annual sugar beet harvest, he didn’t think the short-term job offer would pave the way for him to come back to help teach future drivers. But, with the help of FastForward’s CDL training program…