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…
There is nothing we love seeing more than when a student succeeds in their program of study. We all have our own reasons and motivations for pursuing a certificate or degree program, and for these four students, we know their future will be bright. ⭐️Student Spotlight⭐️…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Our family members can be our most important cheerleaders and motivators, and for Morgan Palme, it was her grandmother who pushed her to pursue her…
When Melinda Mutter was working as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at a hospital in Southwest Virginia, the long hours, never-ending patient requests, and overflowing list of to-dos were exhausting. That’s when she started talking with the phlebotomy technicians—the trained medical professionals responsible for drawing blood…
From choosing classes to finding the right financial aid, navigating community college can be overwhelming. Luckily, Virginia’s Community Colleges have career coaches on campus to help students get started, access funding, stay on track of coursework, and connect with local employers hiring in the area. …
*Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Aidan Gould enjoyed the hands-on training he received at Laurel Ridge, and he couldn’t seem to get enough. That’s when he decided to go back…