Workforce Credential Grant (FastForward)
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV); offered through Virginia's Community Colleges (FastForward), the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and New College Institute
Short-term, noncredit job-training programs in high-demand fields at up to two-thirds off: students pay one-third up front and avoid a second third by finishing.
- How much
- Up to two-thirds off the program cost
- Who qualifies
- Virginia domicile (§ 23.1-502). Enrolled in an eligible noncredit training program for a high-demand occupation; must complete the program to avoid paying the second one-third.
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time Rolling; by program start dates at each college.
- How to apply
- Contact the workforce development office at your local community college (or SVHEC / New College Institute) and enroll in an eligible FastForward program
- The institution handles the grant
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (schev.edu), page 2 and page 3
The details
Created by the General Assembly in 2016 to make industry certifications and state licenses affordable. In an eligible noncredit program for a high-demand occupation, the student pays only one-third of the cost at enrollment; completing the training avoids paying another one-third. Offered at Virginia's community colleges (branded FastForward, roughly 40 careers in healthcare, IT, skilled trades and more), the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and New College Institute.
More money from Virginia
- Virginia Space Grant Undergraduate STEM Research ScholarshipUp to $8,500 per year
- Virginia Space Grant Graduate STEM Research Fellowship$6,000 per year
- Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)Up to $5,250 per year for undergraduates (2026-27 maximum); $5,000 for eligible graduate health-professions students; higher at Hampton and Virginia Union
- Two-Year College Transfer Grant (CTG)Up to $1,000 per year base; plus up to $1,000 STEM-N bonus; plus $1,000 incentive at NSU, ODU, Radford, UVA Wise, VCU and VSU
- Granville P. Meade Scholarship$2,000 per year for four years (most recent cycle)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.