For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2025
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions is excited to partner with the Winchester Economic Development Authority on an initiative that will provide $100,000 in scholarship funding for city residents enrolled in FastForward credential classes.
Virginia Workforce Credential Grant funding had been covering two-thirds of the cost of funding for eligible students taking FastForward credential programs – which include CDL, CompTIA, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Mechatronics, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Plumbing and Welding – but the high demand for the programs has meant the funding was dwindling. Enrollment in FastForward programs is up more than 25 percent from last year, and Workforce Solutions has also recently launched Fiber Installer Technician and Power Line Worker programs, further straining FastForward grant funds.
Thanks to the city EDA’s gift, not only will up to 25 more students from Winchester receive financial assistance to be trained in high-demand fields, but area employers will be able to meet crucial workforce needs.
“We are thrilled with the Winchester EDA’s strategic decision to invest these scholarship funds in their citizens for the purposes of developing their workforce skills while also addressing the needs of local industry and supporting local economic development efforts in the City of Winchester,” said Workforce Solutions Vice President Jeanian Clark. “They are a wonderful partner to work with, and we are grateful for their vision and confidence in these programs.”
Winchester EDA is proud to partner with Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions in supporting workforce development in the city, said EDA Executive Director Jeff Buettner.
“By investing in workforce credentials and career training, we are helping residents gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs while strengthening the city’s economic future,” he said.
To learn more about FastForward programs, visit laurelridgeworkforce.com/fastforward, or call Workforce Solutions at 540-868-7021.
*************************
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
###