Possible Funding Assistance Funding

Grant funding, financial aid or private funding may be available to eligible candidates towards career training programs at MECC Workforce Solutions. Find opportunities below to start your funding search.

Have you lost your job and received or QUALIFIED for unemployment?

Individuals who have lost their job due to no fault of their own and are collecting or eligible for UNEMPLOYMENT within the past 20 months may be eligible for grant funding. For more information, call 276-523-7479.

FastForward Grant

The FastForward Grant is a program funded by the Virginia General Assembly to encourage the attainment of high-demand workforce credentials by underwriting the cost of approved credential preparation programs for Virginia (VA) residents that meet VA domicile requirements. You are required to pay one-third of the cost of the program with the explicit expectation you will seek and obtain the related credential identified for your program of choice. Failure to complete the class will result in your financial obligation to pay an additional one-third of the cost of the program back to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funding for this program is limited. For more information, contact FastForward Coach.

Here’s how it works:

  • You pay 1/3 of the tuition when you register. *Additional assistance available based on income.
  • The Commonwealth of Virginia pays 1/3 when you complete the class.
  • The final 1/3 is paid by the Commonwealth of Virginia when you earn a high-demand industry credential.

Tuition includes instruction, textbooks, materials, equipment, admissions requirements, and credential exam.

You are eligible if you:

  1. Meet the residency requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia
  2. Enroll in one of the programs listed below*

Financial Aid Now Available for these Non-Credit Industry Certification Programs:

Industrial Technologies:

  • Commercial Driver’s License A Endorsement
  • Commercial Driver’s License B Endorsement

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER):

  • Core-Introductory Craft Skills
  • HVAC Level 1
  • Electrical – Level 1
  • Electrical – Level 2
  • HVAC Level 1
  • Power Line Worker 1
  • Welding Level 1

Health Sciences:

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • Certified Nurse Aide
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Paramedic
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • Certified Pharmacy Technician

*Approved credentials are subject to change. Email Workforce Solutions for the most current list.

Need additional financial assistance?

Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC) provides funding for you if you demonstrate the required financial need in order to enroll in an approved workforce training program leading to the attainment of an industry recognized credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance. Applicants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For those qualifying under this program, financial assistance will pay for 100% of the WCG price for the program. Funding for this program is limited.

Application

Candidates will be required to complete an application which will determine tuition assistance eligibility based on family income.  Download the MECC FANTIC Policy Application.  Return the forms to the Center for Workforce Development located on the second floor of Phillips Taylor Hall. For more information and questions email Workforce Solutions or call Lori Dingus at 276-523-9114 or Caitlin Mullins at 276-523-9113 .

Register

To register for classes, call us at 276-523-7479.

For More Information on Funding Options, Call 276-523-7479.