Gregory DeCinque: G3 Program Will Make a Difference in Virginia
Thomas Nelson Interim President Gregory DeCinque shared the following editorial in the Daily Press and Virginian-Pilot on Friday, Feb. 14.
For more than 50 years, Thomas Nelson has worked to make a college education possible for all on the Peninsula, especially underserved populations who currently represent more than 60% of our student body.
There is no doubt that the Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back - also known as G3 - proposal currently being considered by the Virginia General Assembly will have a significant impact on the workforce in our region and the future of the middle class in Virginia.
G3 is a last dollar financial aid program that gives low- and middle-income families access to a college education. G3 provides support to make up the difference between what financial aid pays and the actual cost of education, which includes tuition, fees, and books.
Employers in our region are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill numerous jobs that are vital to the economy. G3 focuses on five of those high-demand fields: Healthcare; Information Technology and Computer Science; Manufacturing and Skilled Trades; Early Childhood Education; and Public Safety.
The latest report on student debt in Virginia indicates that there are more than 1 million student borrowers across the Commonwealth with a total of $41.3 billion in outstanding student loan debt.
This type of debt delays home ownership cripples opportunities for continued education, and eventually the possibility of paying for college for the next generation; a detrimental and lasting impact on economic mobility in our communities.
G3 is the answer to rebuilding the middle class in Virginia.
Over the past year, Thomas Nelson has worked with employers in our region to tailor programs that will meet industry needs and create opportunities for our students to earn credentials, while working, ultimately earning better wages and changing their economic impact on our region.
Recent conversations with our healthcare partners at Sentara Healthcare and Riverside Health Systems revealed the need for CNAs and LPNs in our region. As a result, we have designed our programs to teach these needed skills first, allowing students to earn stackable credentials as they enter the workforce.
A recent graduate, Bilal Shariff has served in the military since high school and plans to retire in 2021.The 36-year-old father of two pursued a nursing degree at Thomas Nelson as part of his transition plan. "Thomas Nelson was the only school I could find in the area that had a nursing program that I could afford and that was sympathetic to me being in the military," he said.
Bilal exemplifies many Thomas Nelson students, working, supporting a family and seeking training that will position them for a better career. Our latest data shows that nearly 80% of our students are balancing classes and jobs. Of that figure, more than 50% work over 20 hours a week.
Matthew Taliaferro, who earned universal HVAC Certification Jan. 30, enrolled at Thomas Nelson in 2019 seeking an associate degree in HVAC. Matthew believes the education Thomas Nelson affords will help elevate his career, take him places he's never been, and is "changing his situation."
We know that graduates of G3 programs have seen wage increases of 60%. Bilal, Matthew and students across the Peninsula deserve an opportunity to change their financial futures.
The final aspect of G3 speaks directly to Thomas Nelson's mission of empowering students to succeed and enhancing the civic vitality of our community. G3 will allow students to give back to their communities by completing two hours of community or public service for each credit hour they are enrolled.