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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2025
Frederick County EDA Contact
Patrick Barker, CEcD
Executive Director
(540) 665-0973 | pbarker@YesFrederickVA.com
Laurel Ridge Community College
Office of Workforce Solutions & Continuing Education
Vice President
(540) 868-7122 | jclarke@LaurelRidge.edu
Frederick County Economic Development Authority Approves $200,000 in Scholarship Funding
~ Scholarships will support Frederick County residents pursuing select FastForward Credential Programs at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions ~
(WINCHESTER, VA) – A $200,000 scholarship initiative from the Frederick County Economic Development Authority (EDA) will help area industries meet critical workforce needs and provide Frederick County residents affordable training that will lead them into in-demand jobs.
The EDA has approved $200,000 in scholarship funding to support Frederick County residents pursuing select FastForward credential programs offered through Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions. The scholarship program addresses critical industry needs by providing training in high-demand fields within the EDA’s target growth sectors, including:
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A and CDL-B)
- Electrical and HVAC Apprenticeships
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Mechatronics
- Welding
Eligible residents must demonstrate their intent to work in related regional industries, building a stronger, skilled local workforce to support Frederick County’s economic growth. Scholarship awards will vary by program, and funds will remain available until exhausted, or June 30, 2026, whichever comes first.
“We are thrilled to invest in our community’s future by providing these opportunities,” said EDA Chair Rick Till. “This collaboration with Laurel Ridge will equip our residents with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market while at the same time strengthening Frederick County’s economic foundation.”
“FastForward programs are designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs that lead directly to employment,” said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at Laurel Ridge. “With this scholarship support, more Frederick County residents will be able to access affordable training that quickly translates into career opportunities and a stronger local workforce.”
Rising student demand for short-term career training programs at Laurel Ridge, coupled with the launch of new offerings, has outpaced the Virginia Workforce Credential Grant funding allocated by the General Assembly, which had previously provided grant funding that covered two-thirds of FastForward program costs for eligible students. Just within the past year, enrollment in FastForward programs increased by 26 percent. This enrollment surge, along with the launch of new programs, such as Fiber Installer Technician and Power Line Worker, left the college with limited funds to continue offering FastForward grants for the remainder of the fiscal year. This EDA contribution will help bridge that gap, ensuring county residents continue to have access to affordable training opportunities, while local employers benefit from a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
Frederick County residents interested in applying should visit LaurelRidgeWorkforce.com.
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