Competitive Education
Forecasted
Competitive Education supports education and training providers in Virginia’s Tobacco Region, funding programs, equipment, and facilities that build workforce skills and meet employer needs.
Funder: Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY2027: approximately $1,945,000 available; requests up to $200,000 without prior staff approval
Summary: Funds education and workforce training that expands opportunities for Tobacco Region residents and meets employer needs.
Key Information: Grant awards require at least a 1:1 match for direct new project expenses.
Description
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Competitive Education Program funds projects that create or expand educational programs, equipment, and facilities for residents of Southern and Southwest Virginia’s Tobacco Region. Its goal is to increase the education and skills of the regional workforce, help attract and retain employers, and make education and employment opportunities available that residents previously lacked.
The program supports workforce readiness and addresses gaps between available education and employer demand. Projects may develop degree or credential pathways, industry-led training for high-demand careers, work-based training, or new education facilities and delivery options. Priority areas include post-secondary STEM-H and advanced manufacturing.
