Competitive Education
Forecasted
Competitive Education supports Virginia’s Tobacco Region residents through workforce education programs, equipment, and facilities that expand local learning and employment opportunities.
Funder: Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Round 2) | August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY2027 requests up to $200,000 without prior staff approval; startup support typically limited to three years
Summary: Supports workforce education programs, equipment, and facilities that expand educational opportunities for Virginia’s Tobacco Region residents.
Key Information: Grants require at least 1:1 matching funds, with in-kind contributions limited to 25% of the required match.
Description
Competitive Education is part of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Education Grant Program. It supports the creation or expansion of educational programs, equipment, and facilities that help Tobacco Region residents obtain education and employment opportunities previously unavailable locally. Its goal is to increase the education and skill levels of the regional labor pool to attract and retain employers.
The program emphasizes proven or innovative approaches that close gaps between education supply and employer demand, particularly post-secondary STEM-H and advanced manufacturing skills. Supported work includes credential and degree completion, high school equivalency, industry-led training, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and new training facilities. Priorities include direct employment links with private companies and high-demand training offered at nontraditional times.
