Take the step, we’ll lead you forward.
From healthcare certifications and early childhood education to IT certificate programs and criminal justice training and other public safety options, G3 assistance can help those who qualify pay for school. You can train for the right career, right where you are, right now. Starting something new or changing a career path can be scary, but if you want to earn workplace certifications or an academic degree that leads to a career, G3 can make it happen.
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Who is eligible for G3 assistance?
Any adult resident of Virginia who meets the following criteria is eligible:
- Qualifies for in-state tuition,
- Has applied for federal and/or state financial aid programs,
- Has a total household income of less than $106,000 for a family of four (or less than $51,000 for a single adult),
- Is enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours in a Virginia community college, and
- Is enrolled in a designated G3 program (listed below).
Please note that you must have filed a FAFSA for the current academic year at https://studentaid.gov and submitted all requested items to be eligible.
Download the FAQ for the G3 Assistance for more information.
How to Enroll in a G3 Program
- Select a program from the list of G3 programs below.
- Apply to Southwest if you are a new student.
- Apply for federal and/or state financial aid.
- If you are pursuing an AAS, Certificate/Diploma, or Career Study Certificate program, fill out the FAFSA
- If you are pursuing a FastForward credential, fill out the FANTIC application.
- Sign In to MySouthwest and use Navigate to plan your schedule and register.
You do not have to apply for these funds separately – you will be identified based on the eligibility criteria and program of study and awarded funding automatically.
G3 Eligible Programs
| Program Name | Credential |
|---|---|
| Administration of Justice | AAS (2 year) |
| Advanced Manufacturing | AAS (2 year) |
| Early Childhood Development | AAS (2 year) |
| Electrical/Electronics | AAS (2 year) |
| Emergency Medical Services Technology | AAS (2 year) |
| Gerontology | AAS (2 year) |
| Information Systems Technology | AAS (2 year) |
| Mental Health | AAS (2 year) |
| Nursing | AAS (2 year) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | AAS (2 year) |
| Radiography | AAS (2 year) |
| Substance Abuse | AAS (2 year) |
| Early Childhood Education | Certificate |
| Health Science Tech | Certificate |
| Heat/Vent & Air Condition | Certificate |
| Human Service Certificate | Certificate |
| Law Enforcement | Certificate |
| Practical Nursing | Certificate |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | Certificate |
| Welding | Diploma |
| Advanced EMT | Career Study Certificate |
| Advanced Precision Machining | Career Study Certificate |
| Advanced Studies in Science | Career Study Certificate |
| Advanced Welding and Fabrication | Career Study Certificate |
| Automotive Diagnostics and Repair | Career Study Certificate |
| CNC and Machine Operations | Career Study Certificate |
| Computerized Tomography | Career Study Certificate |
| Crime Scene Technology | Career Study Certificate |
| Cybersecurity | Career Study Certificate |
| Cybersecurity and Network Fundamentals | Career Study Certificate |
| Early Childhood Education | Career Study Certificate |
| Early Childhood Infant/Toddler | Career Study Certificate |
| Electrical | Career Study Certificate |
| Electronic Medical Records Specialist | Career Study Certificate |
| Health Care Technician | Career Study Certificate |
| Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | Career Study Certificate |
| Industrial Maintenance | Career Study Certificate |
| Intermediate to Paramedic | Career Study Certificate |
| Manufacturing Fabrication | Career Study Certificate |
| Mechatronics | Career Study Certificate |
| Medical Coding | Career Study Certificate |
| Network Administration | Career Study Certificate |
| Paraoptometric | Career Study Certificate |
| Pharmacy Technician | Career Study Certificate |
| Phlebotomy | Career Study Certificate |
| Precision Machining | Career Study Certificate |
| Software Development | Career Study Certificate |
| Welding | Career Study Certificate |
| Welding Fundamentals | Career Study Certificate |
| Carpentry – Level 1 | FASTFORWARD |
| CompTIA A+ | FASTFORWARD |
| CompTIA IT Fundamentals | FASTFORWARD |
| CompTIA Network+ | FASTFORWARD |
| CompTIA Security+ | FASTFORWARD |
| Contractor’s License | FASTFORWARD |
| Core-Introductory Craft Skills | FASTFORWARD |
| Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) | FASTFORWARD |
| Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) | FASTFORWARD |
| Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) | FASTFORWARD |
| Heavy Equipment Operations – Level 1 | FASTFORWARD |
| Manufacturing Specialist (MS) | FASTFORWARD |
| Manufacturing Technician 1 (MT1) | FASTFORWARD |
| Masonry – Level 1 | FASTFORWARD |
| Pharmacy Technician | FASTFORWARD |
| Phlebotomy Technician | FASTFORWARD |
| Registered Nurse (Return to Training, Non-credit) | FASTFORWARD |
| Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) | FASTFORWARD |
| Six Sigma Green Belt | FASTFORWARD |
| Work Zone Flagger | FASTFORWARD |
| ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Brakes | FASTFORWARD |
| ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Diesel Engines | FASTFORWARD |
| ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Electric/Electronic Systems | FASTFORWARD |
| ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Inspection Maintenance and Minor Repairs | FASTFORWARD |
| ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Suspension/Steering | FASTFORWARD |