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G3

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

  1. Select a program from the list of G3 programs below.
  2. Apply to Southwest if you are a new student.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 NameCredential
Administration of JusticeAAS (2 year)
Advanced ManufacturingAAS (2 year)
Early Childhood DevelopmentAAS (2 year)
Electrical/ElectronicsAAS (2 year)
Emergency Medical Services TechnologyAAS (2 year)
GerontologyAAS (2 year)
Information Systems TechnologyAAS (2 year)
Mental HealthAAS (2 year)
NursingAAS (2 year)
Occupational Therapy AssistantAAS (2 year)
RadiographyAAS (2 year)
Substance AbuseAAS (2 year)
Early Childhood EducationCertificate
Health Science TechCertificate
Heat/Vent & Air ConditionCertificate
Human Service CertificateCertificate
Law EnforcementCertificate
Practical NursingCertificate
Substance Abuse CounselorCertificate
WeldingDiploma
Advanced EMTCareer Study Certificate
Advanced Precision MachiningCareer Study Certificate
Advanced Studies in ScienceCareer Study Certificate
Advanced Welding and FabricationCareer Study Certificate
Automotive Diagnostics and RepairCareer Study Certificate
CNC and Machine OperationsCareer Study Certificate
Computerized TomographyCareer Study Certificate
Crime Scene TechnologyCareer Study Certificate
CybersecurityCareer Study Certificate
Cybersecurity and Network FundamentalsCareer Study Certificate
Early Childhood EducationCareer Study Certificate
Early Childhood Infant/ToddlerCareer Study Certificate
ElectricalCareer Study Certificate
Electronic Medical Records SpecialistCareer Study Certificate
Health Care TechnicianCareer Study Certificate
Heating, Ventilation and Air ConditioningCareer Study Certificate
Industrial MaintenanceCareer Study Certificate
Intermediate to ParamedicCareer Study Certificate
Manufacturing FabricationCareer Study Certificate
MechatronicsCareer Study Certificate
Medical CodingCareer Study Certificate
Network AdministrationCareer Study Certificate
ParaoptometricCareer Study Certificate
Pharmacy TechnicianCareer Study Certificate
PhlebotomyCareer Study Certificate
Precision MachiningCareer Study Certificate
Software DevelopmentCareer Study Certificate
WeldingCareer Study Certificate
Welding FundamentalsCareer Study Certificate
Carpentry – Level 1FASTFORWARD
CompTIA A+FASTFORWARD
CompTIA IT FundamentalsFASTFORWARD
CompTIA Network+FASTFORWARD
CompTIA Security+FASTFORWARD
Contractor’s LicenseFASTFORWARD
Core-Introductory Craft SkillsFASTFORWARD
Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)FASTFORWARD
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)FASTFORWARD
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)FASTFORWARD
Heavy Equipment Operations – Level 1FASTFORWARD
Manufacturing Specialist (MS)FASTFORWARD
Manufacturing Technician 1 (MT1)FASTFORWARD
Masonry – Level 1FASTFORWARD
Pharmacy TechnicianFASTFORWARD
Phlebotomy TechnicianFASTFORWARD
Registered Nurse (Return to Training, Non-credit)FASTFORWARD
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)FASTFORWARD
Six Sigma Green BeltFASTFORWARD
Work Zone FlaggerFASTFORWARD
ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – BrakesFASTFORWARD
ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Diesel EnginesFASTFORWARD
ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Electric/Electronic SystemsFASTFORWARD
ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Inspection Maintenance and Minor RepairsFASTFORWARD
ASE Entry-Level Medium/Heavy Truck – Suspension/SteeringFASTFORWARD

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