Governor McAuliffe Announces $11.9 million Workforce Innovation Fund Grant

The seal of the United States Department of Labor (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Grant will advance employment and financial literacy for 1,800 Virginians with barriers to higher education and employment ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Virginia has been selected by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to receive an $11.9 million grant to advance employment and financial literacy for 1,800 Virginians in challenging environments.  Virginia received the largest single grant award of any organization or state in the $50.7 million DOL Workforce Fund grant competition which awarded funds to 11 organizations in nine states.       

The successful Workforce Innovation Fund grant proposal was jointly developed by the Office of the Governor and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).  Grant activities will focus on implementing the Working Families Success Network (WFSN) model at six of the Commonwealth’s One Stop employment centers. 

The WFSN model was developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  Four of Virginia’s 23 community colleges are already implementing the model in collaboration with the Achieving the Dream organization.  The model helps individuals cut through red tape and access services and resources to help them earn good-paying jobs.

This grant and the activities align with Governor Terry McAuliffe’s executive order establishing his “New Virginia Economy” workforce initiative, a robust plan that calls for 50,000 new STEM-H credentials earned by 2018.

“In order to create a new Virginia economy, our education and workforce development systems must give the necessary support to level the playing field for success,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This program will help our community colleges and One Stop Career Centers provide students the necessary financial and support services to help them succeed in a 21^stcentury economy.”

“This grant will allow Virginia to implement a proven model of workforce development that doesn’t just train people for a job, but helps them to build their financial and career management skills.” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said. 

“Earning a college credential is no longer optional for those seeking in-demand jobs,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “This grant is a vital step in positioning Virginians to realize the American Dream.” 

The VCCS Workforce Development Services unit will oversee the five year project, working with six regional workforce investment boards that are responsible for delivery of services authorized under the federalWorkforce Investment Act. 

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Virginia Receives National Governor’s Association Grant

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~ NGA grant will drive increased attainment of STEM-H Workforce credentials~ 

RICHMOND - The National Governor’s Association (NGA) announced last week that Virginia has been selected to receive a $170,000 grant and will also be one of 14 states to participate in an 18 month national policy academy aimed at better aligning education and workforce training to economic development priorities. 

The NGA grant proposal was jointly submitted by the Governor’s Office and the Virginia Community College System.  Grant activities will focus on increasing the Commonwealth’s attainment levels of STEM-H (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Health) credentials, including industry certifications, apprenticeship credentials and degrees, most needed by Virginia’s current and emerging businesses and industries.  This announcement by the NGA comes just a week after Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing his “New Virginia Economy” workforce initiative, a robust plan which calls for 50,000 new STEM-H credentials earned by the end of his administration.

“This grant will help in our efforts to enhance Virginia’s high tech, high skilled sectors, which are vital to the growth and diversification of the New Virginia Economy,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This collaboration will send a strong signal to the emerging workforce of the immediate need for a credentialed, high-skilled labor force to meet today and tomorrow’s business needs.”

The NGA grant will support development of a statewide public awareness and marketing campaign; enhance data and analytical resources; encourage new and expanded public and private partnerships; and augment a policy agenda aimed at increasing enrollment and completion of STEM-H credentials.

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones was excited about the opportunity the grant provides.  “This grant will allow Virginia to take a big step forward in terms of workforce development,” Secretary Jones said. “The program will help us to better align educational offerings with workforce needs while paving the way for a unified vision of a Commonwealth made stronger by a vibrant, highly-skilled workforce.”

“Now more than ever, Virginia needs an educational system fit for the 21st Century,” added Secretary of Education Anne Holton. “By bridging the divide between education and business and bolstering the Governor’s workforce initiative, these funds will help us do just that.”

“Virginia’s businesses are hungry for highly-skilled workers,” said Dr. Glenn DuBois, Chancellor, Virginia Community College System.  “And, Virginia’s Community Colleges are proud to be a part of a grant that will ultimately help more Virginians to find their way to the training and credentials they need for good jobs.”

Secretary Jones will lead the Virginia State Leadership Team, including representatives of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, business and industry, education at all levels, and economic and workforce development. 

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Virginia Leaders Applaud Governor and Attorney General's Efforts to Combat Sexual Violence on College Campuses

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 Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 25 establishing a new task force, chaired by Attorney General Mark Herring, to help combat sexual violence on college campuses. The Governor and the Attorney General also signed a Joint Declaration with all 16 Virginia public colleges and universities and the Virginia Community College System acknowledging the partnership and shared commitment to improving how each institution addresses cases of sexual assault and expanding sexual assault prevention training on campus.

These actions have received praise from leaders across the Commonwealth:

 Senator Tom Garrett, Louisa:

“I applaud Governor McAuliffe for his efforts to ensure safety at Virginia’s colleges and universities.  I commend the administration and Virginia colleges and universities for partnering to make Virginia a leader in this area and to be on the forefront of sexual violence awareness, prevention, and response.”

Senator Janet Howell, Northern Fairfax County:

“Gov. McAuliffe and the Attorney General are wise to bring together state leaders to coordinate responses to this pervasive problem. Families can be confident that everything possible will be done to identify and implement ways to make college students safe.”

Delegate Rosalyn Dance, Petersburg:

                                                    

"As the Honorary Regional Chairwoman of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, I am extremely pleased that Governor McAuliffe and the Attorney General are utilizing their offices to address this important issue across the Commonwealth."

Delegate Jennifer McClellan, Richmond:

“Today, the Governor and the Attorney General take a step forward in reaffirming and ensuring that Virginia college campuses are safe places to learn and grow. I am extremely pleased that Virginia is a leader in bringing higher education leaders, law enforcement, and legislators together to recommend best practices for combating sexual assault.”

Delegate Vivian Watts, Fairfax:

“I am pleased that Governor McAuliffe and our stakeholders  will work together with our college administrators and authorities to bring awareness and identify best practices to combat sexual violence on our college campuses.  I commend his efforts to maintain and promote positive learning atmospheres at our Virginia institutions of higher education.”  

 Emily Renda – UVA graduate, student activist:

“Governor McAuliffe's office is providing an environment for best practices to emerge. Many advocates and administrators on campus feel as though we're working in isolation and struggling with our own set of issues, when the reality is that our challenges are very much the same. The opportunity to work across the state offers the chance to share in this work to strengthen our responses as a whole.”

Rosemary Trible – Founder of Fear 2 Freedom:

“Paul and I have been at CNU for 18 years. We are proud to be united today with other presidents to take a stand in combating sexual violence on our campuses. I believe this generation is our hope to change the cultural understanding of this issue. Together we can bring about change, hope and healing, one person at a time.” 

John Jones – Executive Director Virginia Sheriffs’ Association:

"Sexual violence on campuses should be treated as violent crimes, as they are in any community.  Transparency and cooperation with local primary law enforcement agencies are an important component of combating this problem.  No citizen, whether a student or not, should feel isolated from the best law enforcement services Virginia has to provide.  The Virginia Sheriffs' Association stands ready to assist in implementing the agreement signed by the Governor, Attorney General and Virginia college and university administrators."  

Chief John A. Venuti – Virginia Commonwealth University Chief of Police:

“The prevention of sexual assault, violence, harassment, and misconduct of any kind remains a top priority for Virginia Commonwealth University.  I am pleased to see Governor McAuliffe and the Attorney General taking steps and action to shift the paradigm, raise awareness, and renew the focus on eliminating sexual violence on Virginia's college campuses.”

Tom Kramer – Executive Director, Virginia21:

“It’s clear that sexual assault on college campuses is an issue that concerns many students. We’re glad to see college leaders, the governor, his administration, and the attorney general commit to work together - sharing resources and best practices - instead of pointing fingers. We look forward to being a part of the conversations to come.”

Dana Schrad – Executive Director, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police/Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators:

“College/University police must foster the safest environment possible and work closely with administrators, faculty and staff to be certain students are confident enough in them to report incidents of sex abuse. Then they must investigate each and every report vigorously and thoroughly, working with local and state authorities if needed. Undue feelings of shame and fear of not being believed or taken seriously must not be allowed to prolong victimization. I applaud the Governor for taking a proactive approach in establishing this Taskforce and bringing all stakeholders together to address any campus sexual misconduct concerns.”

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Grant to Put Long-Term Unemployed Back to Work

Central Virginia Community College (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

-       Virginia’s Community Colleges to Provide Training and Job Placement to 600 Unemployed by 2016  -

RICHMOND- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a new $6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) that will help hundreds of people across Virginia gain faster access to training for high-demand jobs.

“Building a workforce development system that will position Virginia to lead in the 21^st Century economy is one of my top priorities, and this new grant is a step in the right direction,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In executing this grant, Virginia Community Colleges will focus on high demand sectors, including manufacturing, construction, health care, hospitality and food service, information technology and transportation and logistics, in order to give students the skills and credentials they need to fill the jobs that are available right now.”

The federal grant will allow the VCCS to bundle three existing community college programs that have been successful at accelerated credentialing and job placement – On Ramp, Adult Career Coaching and On-the-Job (OJT) Training. The partnership for this model will include the local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS), community colleges, and businesses in targeted industry sectors. Together, they will serve individuals who have been, or will soon be, laid off.

“Getting more Virginians workforce credentials that matter to creating jobs and business expansion is a top priority,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Adults need more options for expedited education and training to get the skills they need to reenter the workforce in jobs that afford access to middle class wages and beyond.  I am pleased that this grant increases funding for a program like On Ramp that provides tuition support for shorter term non credit training as well as for community college certificates and degrees”

Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges, continued, “Increasingly, this is our sweet spot: helping people who’ve been without a job for some time get back to work. We’re grateful for the vote of confidence this grant from the U.S. Labor Department represents. This is exciting for us and it’s exciting for the employers and the individuals we are going to connect through this work.”

To learn more about career services for dislocated workers, please visit the Workforce Development Departments at Virginia’s 23 Community Colleges.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

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Governor Mcauliffe Statement on In-State Tuition for Virginia DREAMers

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Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement today following Attorney General Mark Herring’s announcement that Virginia law makes students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, otherwise known as DREAMers, eligible for in-state tuition at Virginia public community colleges and universities:

“As I said throughout my campaign, I believe that Virginia children who were brought here at a young age, grew up here, and have stayed out of trouble, should absolutely have access to the same educational opportunities as everyone else. To grow a 21^st Century economy, Virginia needs to be open and welcoming to all who call our Commonwealth home, and I am encouraged to see progress being made in this area during my administration.

“I fully support the Attorney General’s opinion that those students who have been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals qualify for in-state tuition, and I am committed to ensuring that this becomes a reality during my administration. I will work diligently with SCHEV, VCCS, and college and university presidents to further review this policy and make sure that all Virginia students have access to our quality education system.”

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Governor McDonnell’s Biennial Budget to Continue Commitment to Making College More Affordable and Accessible for Virginia Students

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RICHMOND - Continuing his administration’s four-year effort to make college more affordable and accessible for Virginia students, Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that his FY 2015/2016 budget will include $183.1 million over the biennium in new support of Virginia’s colleges and universities. The governor’s proposed new funding will help the Commonwealth achieve the goals of the historic “Top Jobs” legislation (Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2011), put forward by McDonnell, that has the state on the path to generating 100,000 additional degrees and certifications over the next 15 years, is reducing the growth of tuition, and enhancing access to higher education. This legislation has also contributed to the creation of 14,000 new slots for incoming students at Virginia schools, and Virginia has recently seen the lowest average yearly increase in tuition in a decade.

 Speaking about the new funding for higher education, Governor McDonnell said, “I firmly believe that in order to get a good job, you need a good education. Our 2011 ‘Top Jobs’ legislation had one very clear goal: to increase the accessibility and affordability of higher education here in the Commonwealth. That legislation is working. We have already added 14,000 new undergraduate slots for Virginia students.  We have invested over $400 million in higher education and created a new higher education funding formula based on enrollment growth, initiatives, incentives, research, financial aid, productivity, and other critical goals. And we have put the Commonwealth’s universities on a pathway to awarding 100,000 additional degrees and certifications over the next 15 years. However, in order to remain one of the nation’s premier systems of public higher education, we must continue our commitment to higher education in the fiscal year 2015/2016 budget. We have started a process that is working, now we must invest in it, and, by doing so, invest in our students and Virginia’s economic future. That is why I am proposing another $183.1 million for higher education in this budget. Virginia’s future prosperity depends upon our current commitment to today’s higher education system. We are investing in the future, and we are making Virginia a more vibrant, prosperous and competitive Commonwealth.”

The governor’s budget will provide the following funding for higher education:

Approximately $32.4 million will support a variety of higher education-related entities and programs, including:

·         Sufficient funding to raise the Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) to Virginia residents attending private Virginia colleges and universities from $3,100 to $3,300

·         Nearly $6.1 million in workforce development programs and initiatives through the Virginia Community College System, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, New College, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, the Roanoke Higher Education Center, and the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

·         Support for higher education consortiums such as 4-VA Partnership, Center for Advanced Logistics and Virtual Library of Virginia

·         Funding to allow the Jefferson Lab in Newport News to compete for significant new federal infrastructure investment at Virginia’s particle accelerator facility

Over $150 million will be provided directly to the higher education institutions, consistent with the provisions of the “Top Jobs” Act, with $45 million (30 percent) dedicated to base operations and financial aid, while $105 million (70 percent) is directed towards incentivizing performance.

·         Of the $45 million for base operations and financial aid, $13.5 million is dedicated to base operations and $31.5 million will go to financial aid.  Of the $31.5 million in financial aid, 10 percent will be applied towards graduate financial aid to attract high caliber students to Virginia’s research programs.

·         Of the $105 million given to incentivize performance, $21 million will be provided for enrollment growth, $63 million for incentive funding, and $21 million for research and initiatives in support of the goals of the “Top Jobs” Act.

o   The incentive funding rewards performance of higher education institutions for increasing graduation and retention rates, graduating additional STEM-H students needed to keep our economy competitive, and attracting students of all socio-economic levels to higher education.

o   Also included in the funding for research is $2 million over the biennium for cancer research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); $2 million for cancer research at the University of Virginia (UVA); $3.3 million for brain research at Virginia Tech; $2 million for ultrasound research on movement disorders at UVA; $1.95 million to support the Center for Bioelectrics at Old Dominion University (ODU); and $1.3 million for Parkinson’s Disease research at VCU.

Higher Education Accomplishments During McDonnell Administration

·         Reduced tuition increases at Virginia’s colleges and universities to the lowest average yearly increase in a decade (from nearly 10% average during 2000-2010 to 4% in 2012)

·         Reformed higher education to generate 100,000 new degrees by 2025 focusing on STEM through “Top Jobs of the 21st Century” legislation in 2011; colleges and universities have already enrolled an additional 14,000 in-state undergraduates

·         Invested over $400 million in new money in higher education and created new higher education funding formula based on enrollment growth, initiatives, incentives, research, financial aid, productivity, and other critical goals

·         Implemented and secured funding for Old Dominion University’s MonarchTeach which will afford aspiring STEM teachers an opportunity to engage in clinical/field experience during their first year of college

·         Established the Governor’s Center for Excellence in teaching at George Mason University

·         Established a school and campus safety week to raise awareness and highlight the importance of all-hazards preparedness on school and college campuses

·         Implemented requirement for university specific strategic plans and efficiency goals to reduce overhead

·         Ensured in-state tuition for a larger population family members of active military, and members of the National Guard; including passage of landmark legislation providing in-state tuition to all veterans

·         Expanded non-credit funding in the 2012-14 biennial budget for community college workforce training and services to 9,463 businesses annually

·         Expanded use of higher education equipment trust fund to provide pre-employment and incumbent workforce training through community college and non-credit programs

·         Launched the state’s first workforce development report card that provides state and regional data on outcomes in the areas of STEM-H pipeline development, college and career readiness, secondary and postsecondary credential attainment, employment, and training capacity

·         Expanded the role of the Virginia Workforce Council to advise the governor on leadership and administration of more than 25 career and technical education and workforce programs targeted to Virginians from middle school to retirement age

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