Thousands of Virginians Can Now Earn Credentials With No Out-of-Pocket Costs
RICHMOND, Va. — Yesterday, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) announced the Amazon Built Together Virginia Program, which will cover community college costs for Virginians pursuing credentials in high-demand fields — covering the cost of attendance, completion, and certification so that eligible students pay nothing out of pocket. The program is available at eight of Virginia’s Community Colleges. The funds will be distributed to the colleges by the VFCCE.
Building on Virginia’s Fast Forward and G3 programs, the program applies after a student’s federal and state financial aid, filling the remaining gap so there is no out-of-pocket cost. Support can extend beyond tuition to the fees, books, supplies, exams, certifications, and required equipment that help learners complete their programs and enter the workforce. Eligible fields include healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, education, public safety, and advanced manufacturing.
With 23 colleges across the state, Virginia’s Community Colleges teach nearly half of Virginia’s public undergraduates and adds $11.6 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy each year. For many families, that puts college and career training close to home.
The announcement was made in Richmond at the 60th Anniversary Governors’ Luncheon, hosted by the VFCCE to mark six decades of the Virginia Community College System. Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have educated and trained generations of Virginians and helped bring new employers to every region of the Commonwealth. The event featured a panel of five former governors — former U.S. Sen. George Allen, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, Bob McDonnell, Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam — whose administrations helped shape the state’s workforce and economic development strategy.
“Virginia’s workforce future depends on connecting people to opportunity and employers to the skilled talent they need. Amazon’s industry-leading investment strengthens that connection through Virginia’s Community Colleges,” said Dr. David Doré, Chancellor, Virginia Community College System. “By helping cover costs that financial aid does not, the Amazon Built Together Virginia Program removes a barrier for students ready to gain valuable skills and move into in-demand careers. We’re grateful for Amazon’s investment in our students, our employers and the Commonwealth.”
The announcement expands a partnership between Virginia’s Community Colleges and Amazon Web Services, which, for years, has connected Virginians to short-term training for skilled jobs building and supporting digital infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
“Amazon has been part of Virginia communities for two decades, and we’ve always believed that investing here means investing in the future of the people who live here,” said Roger Wehner, Vice President of Economic Development, Amazon Web Services. “Through Built Together, we’re doubling down on that commitment and supporting Virginia’s Community Colleges so tens of thousands of Virginians can earn a degree or credential close to home and build on the skills that lead to long-term careers. These colleges have long opened doors across the Commonwealth, and we’re glad to help more people walk through them.”
The program will be re-evaluated annually to review how funds were used, how many learners were served and certified, and employment and continued-education outcomes — ensuring it continues to meet the needs of Virginia’s students and employers. Participating colleges are Brightpoint, Germanna, Laurel Ridge, Northern Virginia, Piedmont Virginia, Rappahannock, Reynolds and Southside Virginia community colleges.
This program is part of Amazon’s Built Together, through which Amazon is committing more than $1 billion over the next five years across education, job training, energy affordability, water and energy conservation, and local priorities.
About the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE)
The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education coordinates statewide fundraising efforts to mutually benefit all 23 local Community College Foundations as well as its own. Our unique programs provide vital assistance for thousands of capable students who are at risk of being derailed off their scholastic trajectory, including foster youth, rural residents, and parent students.
About the Virginia Community College System
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS), founded in 1966, plays a crucial role in providing higher education and workforce training across the state. With 23 colleges serving the diverse needs of the commonwealth, VCCS supports over 230,000 students annually. Notably, Virginia’s community colleges account for nearly half (48%) of all public undergraduate students in the state. With more than 5.5 million alumni, VCCS is not just a singular institution; it represents Virginia’s commitment to accessible education. The system connects with nearly every household in Virginia through various programs, including high school dual enrollment, workforce credentials, and affordable degree pathways, making higher education attainable for all.
About Amazon in Virginia and Built Together
Amazon has been part of Virginia communities since 2006. Built Together is Amazon’s community investment framework for the areas where it operates infrastructure, focused on education and workforce pathways, energy affordability and water solutions, and flexible funding directed by local communities.
