VHCC offering free tuition for next semester to residents who lost job or are making less because of COVID-19

Unemployed Virginians and individuals earning less because of COVID-19 will now have an opportunity to attend Virginia Highlands Community College with tuition and fess covered thanks to CARES Act funding aimed to reemploy state residents.

A news release from the college says the funding for this initiative will come from the $30 million in CARES Act relief authorized by Gov. Ralph Northam, and will cover fees for the Spring 2021 semester in certain career programs such as information technology, electrical, HVAC, machining and welding to nursing, radiography, phlebotomy and emergency medical services.

To be eligible for this voucher, an in-state individual must have lost their job because of COVID-19 and has been receiving unemployment benefits on or after Aug. 1, or lost their full time job and is now in a part time occupation making less than $15 an hour.

Students eligible must sign up for classes by Dec. 14.

Photo Courtesy: Virginia Highlands Community College