Workforce Financial Assistance

FastForward is a short-term workforce credential program to train Virginians for top, in-demand jobs across the Commonwealth. The cost of programs that prepare you for these careers can sometimes create a financial barrier. Financial assistance is available to subsidize the cost of select pre-approved training programs. Students must pay one-third of the program's cost with the explicit expectation they will seek and obtain the related credential identified for their program of choice. Failure to complete the class will result in the student's financial obligation to pay an additional one-third of the program's cost back to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funding for this program is limited. The funds are available to Virginia residents who meet Virginia domicile requirements. See a list of eligible programs below.

Those participating in FastForward programs are financially responsible for the first third of the course cost. If you cannot pay the first third as determined by the predefined criteria, you may qualify for Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC) or G3 Scholarships. Funding for both FastForward and FANTIC/G3 programs is limited.

Learn More About FastForward

Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC) and G3 provide funding to students demonstrating the required financial need who desire to enroll in an approved FastForward training program leading to an industry-recognized credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance. Applicants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. These financial assistance programs will pay the student's cost (one-third of the total tuition) of the FastForward program. Failure to complete the class will result in the student's financial obligation to pay one-third of the program's total cost back to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funding for this program is limited. 

Learn More About G3 Scholarships

Currently available programs:

• CompTIA® IT Fundamentals (New)
• CompTIA® A+
• CompTIA® Data+
• CompTIA® Linux+
• CompTIA® Network+
• CompTIA® Security+
• IT Specialist: Python
• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Nurse Aide Preparation (CNA)
• Medication Aide (RMA)
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Certified Billing & Coding Specialist (CBCS)
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
• Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP) (New)
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (HVAC)
• Commercial Driver's License Class A (CDL-A)

FastForward Program Tuition Chart

Please visit MyWorkforce for additional information on these programs. For a complete list of FastForward programs offered in the State of Virginia, visit fastforwardva.org.

Participants in FastForward programs are expected to attend all class meetings, satisfactorily complete any requirements set by the instructor and/or program, and sit for the Industry Credential exam. 

For courses where the Industry Credential exam is not offered at the end of the course, participants have 30 calendar days from the end of the in-class program to sit for the exam.

To qualify for Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC), G3 Scholarships or FastForward subsidized tuition you must meet the Virginia domicile requirements. Virginia "domicile" means you have lived in Virginia and intended to stay here indefinitely for at least one year prior to the date of application. A domicile determination form will be part of your registration process.

For FastForward:

1. Create a MyWorkforce student profile (new students only).
2. Complete all prerequisites based on the program of your choice. Prerequisites are listed in the course description. 
3. Register and pay for your course. The FastForward agreement (preview) and domicile form will be part of your registration process. If you are domiciled in Virginia, your tuition will be discounted. Tuition payment is due at the time of registration.

For FANTIC and G3:

1. Create a MyWorkforce student profile (new students only).
2. Complete all prerequisites based on the program of your choice. Prerequisites are listed in the course description. 
3. Carefully read the FANTIC Application Packet. 
4. Gather all required documents as outlined in the application packet. 
5. Complete the FANTIC Application Form online, including the Memorandum of Understanding, and upload your documents. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the class starting date. Completing the application does not guarantee qualification for FANTIC or G3. The FANTIC application will be used to determine funding eligibility for G3-approved FastForward programs.
6. Register for your course. Course registration information will be provided to qualified FANTIC or G3 applicants.