Virginia’s Community Colleges Investment Expands Training Opportunities for Job Seekers   Richmond, VA (August 8, 2019) - Virginia’s Community Colleges are making additional investments in their successful FastForward Virginia workforce training programs to help more Virginians earn workforce credentials for new careers and better provide for themselves and their family. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge was one of 23 colleges included according to an announcement from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS.) The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) has directed $2.75 million in FastForward Workforce Training Grants to community colleges around the commonwealth to develop new and expand existing high-demand training programs. DSLCC was awarded $173,143 to be used for Electrical and Commercial Driver’s License B training and to update training for Phlebotomy and Pharmacy Technician. DSLCC is also offering a new program, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, which begins this fall. “Community colleges play a critical role in supporting local businesses and the regional economy, and these new programs will help meet the changing workforce needs in our area,” said Dr. John Rainone, DSLCC President “These grants reaffirm our commitment to helping Virginians start, or re-start their careers” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “More than 16,000 postsecondary credentials have been awarded since FastForward launched three years ago and Virginia’s workforce is stronger because of it. Our graduates typically boost their take home pay by 25-50%, in a matter of weeks not years. We want to make sure every Virginian knows about this life-changing opportunity.” “This capacity building will touch every region of Virginia and help build a skilled workforce for years to come,” said Sharon Morrissey, VCCS senior vice chancellor for academic and workforce programs. “This investment allows our colleges to increase their capacity for providing FastForward training through instructor salaries, materials and supplies, curriculum development and much more.” Information about FastForward Virginia is available at workforce development offices on Virginia Community College campuses statewide, and at https://www.fastforwardva.org/. For more information on FastForward programs at DSLCC, visit www.dslcc.edu/workforce or contact Brooke Shehan, FastForward Career Coach, at (540) 863-2848 or bshehan@dslcc.edu. About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than 241,000 students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

* * * * *