Virginia Highlands Works to Make Higher Education More Accessible 

Nicole Boothe/VHCC Marketing and Communication Department

Through the Washington County Promise Scholarship Program and new fast-track programs that prepare students for in-demand careers, Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) is actively breaking down financial and logistical barriers to education and opening clear routes to professional success in Washington County, Virginia. 

Breaking Financial Barriers

The Washington County Promise Scholarship Program, funded by the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia in partnership with VHCC and its Educational Foundation, significantly expands access to higher education for local students. Designed to eliminate financial barriers, the program covers tuition and fees after other aid is applied and provides up to $500 per semester for books and supplies. 

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for students. The Promise Program ensures that every student who lives in Washington County, no matter their background, can attend VHCC without the burden of tuition,” says Adam Hutchison, VHCC president. “It’s a tremendous step toward educational equity and economic prosperity for our entire region, and we are excited to work closely with Wellspring Foundation to make this vision a reality.” 

Hutchison says by offering both financial support and flexible educational pathways, the Promise Program encourages broader college enrollment and aligns with VHCC’s mission to meet regional workforce needs. Another way the college meets workforce needs is through a range of fast-track programs designed to quickly prepare students for in-demand careers across the region. 

Nicole Boothe/VHCC Marketing and Communication Department

Fast-Tracking Success

Short-term training options, such as FastForward and G3, allow students to earn industry credentials in just weeks or months as opposed to years. These programs – which combine hands-on instruction, flexible scheduling and close collaboration with local employers – focus on high-need sectors, such as health care, welding, electrical technology, commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and heavy equipment operation. 

“At Virginia Highlands, we’re seeing tremendous growth in short-course, direct-to-employment credential programs – like heavy equipment operation and CDL training – tailored to equip our students with licensure and real middle-skills in high demand across Southwest Virginia,” Hutchison says. 

Students, such as Lauren Horne and Skyla Keene, are reaping the benefits of the college’s investments. 

“The Washington County Promise Scholarship and VHCC’s fast-track career programs have had a significant impact on my educational journey and career goals,” Horne says. “They’ve made it possible for me to pursue my degree in business while also preparing for a career in cosmetology. I’m currently working part time, and I plan to continue working through cosmetology school in the upcoming semesters to earn my license.” 

At the same time, Horne is focused on completing her business degree, which will give her a strong foundation for future career opportunities. 

“Because of these programs, I’ve been able to explore multiple career paths and gain hands-on experience while continuing my education,” she says. “They’ve opened doors to both professional growth and personal development, and I’m grateful for the support they provide to students like me.” 

Harvesting Homegrown Talent

Keene, who graduated with a degree in criminal justice in 2025, says VHCC gave her the professional experience she needed to pursue a successful career. 

Keene chose VHCC for several reasons: It was local, she wouldn’t have to pay for her education and the criminal justice program enjoyed a strong reputation. 

“More than gaining confidence, knowledge and tangible skills for use in my chosen career field, VHCC also gave me many different learning opportunities and many connections with people in the field that I would not have had access to,” she says. “But, most importantly, I have had the opportunity to be supported by people who believed in me and helped me to believe in myself, too.” 

To ensure its programs remain responsive and relevant, the college engages industry- and sector-specific advisory committees composed of local employers and experts who provide guidance on curriculum development, emerging workforce needs and technological trends. 

Investments, such as the new Paramont Applied Technology & Workforce Center, further boost the college’s ability to deliver cutting-edge career and technical education. 

“As a public community college in the Commonwealth, one of our principal missions is to help support the economic growth and development of the communities we serve,” says Laura Pennington, VHCC vice president of institutional advancement. “A hallmark of that is definitely listening to the heartbeat of the community’s workforce needs and then responding to those needs with high-quality offerings that culminate in skills and credentials that help power local businesses and provide a good career for residents.”