State funding to support high school aged students seeking careers in a health related occupations, including health services, medical office support, cyber security and mechatronics has been approved by Virginia state legislators. The bill was introduced and initiated by Delegate Terry Austin to benefit high school students in the Virginia Western, Dabney S. Lancaster and New River service areas.
The appropriation provides partial support for CTE health-related programs offered by the schools or for high school aged students to attend health related programs offered through the VWCC Regional Academy. The funding is designed to provide training in entry level health care employment needs and to support bridging programs that lead into health care degree options offered through Virginia Western Community College.
Funding amounts and availability will be reviewed annually and determined by the state’s budget planning process.