MECC offers tuition help for virus-displaced workers

Students impacted by COVID-19 now have until Dec. 30, 2021 to apply for Re-Employing Virginians (REV) tuition assistance to attend Mountain Empire Community College.

Gov. Ralph Northam has extended the deadline, which was previously Dec. 14, 2020, to appropriate $30 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars as part of the new REV initiative. The program provides scholarships to enroll in five essential industries, including health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education.

MECC will receive more than $782,000 to assist residents of Norton and Wise, Lee, Scott, and Dickenson counties who are interested or are currently enrolled in high demand fields and have been impacted by COVID-19. MECC students as well as those considering enrollment, who are unemployed and underemployed, are eligible for a training voucher to pay for the cost of enrolling in a high-demand workforce education program.

An individual must self-certify that they are a Virginia resident; received unemployment benefits on or after Aug. 1, 2020 or that they are working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15 after losing a full-time job due to COVID-19; and enroll in an eligible program before Dec. 30, 2021.

Students choosing short-term workforce training would receive up to $1,500 applied to their student account. Those choosing to pursue a career studies certificate or an associate degree would receive up to $1,500 as a part-time student or up to $3,000 as a full-time student, which would cover the full cost of tuition for one year.

Students and interested individuals who want more information related to eligible career paths and financial assistance are encouraged to visit www.mecc.edu/rev.

You also can call the Office of Enrollment Services at 276/523-2400, ext. 474.