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Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced the Re-Employing Virginians (REV) Initiative, which will help Virginians whose employment status was affected by COVID-19 get back on their feet. The governor’s initiative provides $27 million for workers to enroll in job-training programs at any of Virginia’s community colleges.

“If you have lost your job, or seen a reduction in your hours and paycheck, Virginia’s community colleges want to help you,” said VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois. “The REV initiative offers you another way into the short-term credential and degree programs that prepare you for a high-demand career. These opportunities will be more affordable than ever before thanks to these grants, and we look forward to helping individuals and families who want to move forward, beyond the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic.”

In order to qualify for a REV voucher, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• You are a Virginia citizen.
• You filed a claim for unemployment benefits on or after Aug. 1, 2020.
• You lost your full time job due to COVID-19 and currently earn less than $15 per hour; or you lost a full-time job because COVID-19 caused your employer to close or reduce staffing, and you are now working in a part-time job that pays less than $15 per hour.
• You are interested in pursuing training or classes in a high-demand area: early childhood education, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, public safety and skilled trades.

Camp Community College’s president, Dr. Dan Lufkin said, “This initiative is a win-win for both workers and the community. Individuals have the opportunity to learn new or enhanced job skills, in many cases at no cost to them. The community benefits because the program trains workers in high demand fields. We are proud that Camp Community College has the opportunity to help grow the future of our community.”

The REV Initiative is open for a limited period of time, and individuals must apply and register for courses at Camp by Dec. 14, 2020. To learn more about the program and complete an eligibility form, visit www.pdc.edu/REV.