ANNANDALE, Va. (March 12, 2025) – Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) today announced the launch of NOVA New Employment, Exploration and Transition (NOVAnext), a comprehensive effort to help recently unemployed federal workers and federal contractors transition to their next careers.
“Many talented Northern Virginians are facing sudden, unexpected changes in their professional lives. As the community’s college, NOVA is focused on advancing opportunity, and the current moment has made our mission ever more important. We are honored to play a role in connecting residents across the region to their next steps, helping to build brighter futures,” said NOVA President Anne M. Kress.
The first in the region to provide new, dedicated training funds for unemployed federal workers and federal contractors, NOVA is committing up to $1 million in scholarship aid to allow approved participants to enroll in one of 14 courses at no charge and access NOVA-sponsored online workshops on resume-writing and job search techniques.
Many classes prepare students for industry-recognized certifications in specific IT specialties, program management and human resources. Additional options include a range of self-paced, online entrepreneurship courses and a new Generative AI class.
“NOVAnext is a step forward in strengthening our region’s workforce and tackling the challenge of ensuring long-term economic resilience. We commend Northern Virginia Community College for their swift action, empowering laid-off federal employees for future opportunities,” said Julie Coons, NVC President and CEO. “We are proud to partner with NVCC on this initiative, and remain committed to building a dynamic, adaptable business environment that sustains Northern Virginia’s position as the economic driver for the region.”
To be eligible, federal workers and federal contract workers must have been laid off on or after February 1, 2025, reside within the NOVA service area, meet a residency requirement and fill out an online application, which will be reviewed by Virginia Career Works.
In addition to enrolling in a NOVAnext class, participants can also enroll in any other FastForward or NOVA course at regular tuition rates and may qualify for additional state financial aid.
Media Contact: Kathy Parkinson | 703.577.2828 | kparkinson@nvcc.edu
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About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America's largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 70,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge, and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.