What is FastForward?

 

FastForward, also known as the Workforce Credential Grant (WCG) is a program funded by the Virginia General Assembly to encourage the attainment of high-demand Workforce Credentials by underwriting the cost of approved Credential Preparation Programs.  Most programs take between 6-12 weeks and are flexible so students can get their education while they work. While our a signature of our programs is founded on hands-on, expert-led training, to be more accessible, more and more training is becoming available online.

Regardless of how you train, we want students to gain the skills they need quickly and affordably, while creating more opportunity for their future.

If you’ve been looking to start a new or advance in your current career, FastForward has training programs that fit your budget and your schedule. Our expert instructors and practical, hands-on programs give you the skills you need to be ready in weeks, not years..

Paying for FastForward FANTIIC (Financial Assistance)

Provides funding to students demonstrating financial need who desire to enroll in an approved workforce training program leading to the attainment of an industry-recognized-credential or licensure and are not eligible for other funding grants or financial assistance.  This financial aid will pay 100% of the student's portion for the program; however, per FastForward Guidelines, failure to complete the class will require the applicant to repay one-third of the cost of the class back to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

To participate in the program, the applicant shall:

1. Be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen; For verification, bring a photo ID such as driver’s license or a state issued ID card.
2. Be eighteen years of age if applicant has completed secondary school or nineteen years old otherwise; For verification, bring one of the following:driver’s license, state issued birth certificate, state issued ID, or passport.
3. Meet the Virginia Domicile requirement; Primary documentation:  complete the VCCS domicile determination form and meet the qualification to be domiciled in Virginia.  The form is attached to the application.  Complete the form and submit with application.  Secondary verification:  copy of preprinted documentation showing current applicant address:  accepted examples include utility bill, bank statement, voter registration card, rent receipt, housing contract, etc.
4. Be in compliance with federal Selective Service registration requirements;
5. Not be enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program, unless the Workforce program provides training related to the degree program and is necessary to meet a job requirement or advance employment success;
6. Enroll in a preapproved VHCC FastForward credential program;
7. Be ineligible* for other forms of tuition funding including employer assistance plans or other tuition assistance programs from WIOA, SNAPET, TANF, DRS, or any other state or federal programs; and, *may be asked to provide documentation of denial for other assistance programs.
8. Demonstrate financial need based on household income by: Providing proof that either the student or dependent student’s parent(s) is currently eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) and/or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); or for verification, bring in either a current/active SNAP or TANF card.

Demonstrating that the student or the dependent student parent(s) has a household adjusted gross income that is less than 200$ of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
 

Persons in Family/Household	Poverty Guideline	FANTIC  200 Percent of Poverty (Poverty Guideline x 2)
1	12,760	$25,520
2	17,240	$34,480
3	21,720	$43,440
4	26,200	$52,400
5	30,680	$61,360
6	35,160	$70,320
7	39,640	$79,280
8	44,120	$88,240

 
 
For verification, you must bring your IRS Tax Transcript.  If not available, applicant must apply to the IRS to get a Tax Return Transcript which may take up to ten business days.  Go to IRS website:  http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript.  If the mailing time will delay the registration/application, we can temporarily accept a copy of your most recent tax return and you verify the tax transcript has been requested.  Otherwise, you will be withdrawn from class.