The Progress-Index of Petersburg published a good story about students from John Tyler Community College visiting with their lawmakers to talk about their community college experience and to ask for support for their college.

During each meeting, the students shared their personal stories and spoke about the important role John Tyler Community College is playing in their lives. They highlighted the need to have affordable, quality college educations for those who have lost their jobs and for those who are trying to enter in-demand fields such as nursing.

While attracting an additional 22,000 students over the last two years, Virginia’s Community Colleges have lost roughly $65 million in state budget support.

Holding the line on community college funding will be important for lawmakers who want to ensure Virginians can obtain the skills and knowledge they need to begin or restart a career.

That’s the case for Kevin Lamoreaux, who is seeking his third career after losing his job when a local plant went out of business.

Lamoreaux served in the Navy for six years, during which he was nuclear reactor operator. He then became an equipment technician at Qimonda. But, when the company closed, Lamoreaux decided it was time to change careers and pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. He’s now doing just that through the hybrid distance education track of John Tyler Community College’s nursing program. “I really like the flexibility the hybrid track gives me,” he said. “It’s a great combination of distance education and hands-on classes. It’s excellent.”

Posted by Jeffrey Kraus