VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam was in Hampton Roads Thursday to tour Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach campus.
The governor toured TCC’s Regional Health Professions Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the college’s programs in respiratory therapy, emergency medical services, diagnostic medical sonography, occupational therapy assistant, phlebotomy, physical therapy assistant, health information management, radiography, and medical laboratory technology.
The governor also promoted the “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” initiative, or “G3” program.
The governor’s proposed budget includes $145 million over the next two years to make tuition-free community college available to low- and middle-income students who pursue jobs in high-demand fields.
Governor Northam met with staff and students and got an up-close look at eligible programs for the program.
“We want Virginians to have a good job,” Governor Northam said.
The governor highlighted the unemployment rate, which is at 2.6 percent. He said the hurdle for many of these students is not being able to afford community college.
“If we can make these educational opportunities available then we can fill those jobs and keep our economy going well,” Governor Northam said.
