On Ramp Program

The On Ramp program exists as an opportunity to align the new community college strategic plan, Achieve 2015, with career pathways planning and expanded rapid response assistance for unemployed and underemployed individuals. The Virginia’s Community College System is serving as the state entity with primary responsibility for coordinating workforce training at the postsecondary level. Colleges that serve local workforce investment areas with the highest unemployment rates in the state or which have been impacted by a significant layoff event are participating in the program.

Population Served

Adults who are unemployed or underemployed due to business closures or downsizing, layoffs or high regional unemployment rates.

Program Features

• Flexible Training Design Framework: Colleges will confer with their local WIB's to identify local businesses and industries that project hiring needs in the near future and work with them to develop or identify training programs within the college that could satisfy industry requirements for job placements.
• Financial Aid: Colleges will award financial assistance to students for training courses and programs.
• Outreach Activities: Funds can be applied to outreach activities designed to inform and engage employers, One Stop Centers, and the general community about the On Ramp Program

Program Outcomes

• Number of students engaged in career advising and plan development activities supported by the program
• Number of students receiving financial aid under the program
• Course completion (credit or occupational non-credit) of students receiving financial aid in the program
• Award or credential attainment of students receiving financial aid under this program.
• Other measures, such as job placement, wage gains and participant satisfaction

Since this is a new program, no data is available at present. An assessment of overall success of the program and other measures will be a part of the VCCS evaluation of the program and published to this website.

Grants Related to Program

See workforce grants web page, On Ramp section Through the Workforce Investment Acts program, $2.5 million has been distributed to colleges serving students in high-unemployment regions. For more information, please visit or workforce grants web page, On Ramp section Colleges participating in the On Ramp program are responsible for collecting data and reporting to the VCCS on the following measures of performance: A Career Pathways Consultant: For empowering individuals for success, a career pathways consultant will provide services for those seeking to upgrade their skills through higher education or workforce training. Displaced workers who are also unemployed adults and underemployed workers.

Resource Materials From Statewide Meeting - September 22, 2011

• Agenda
• Presentation - Elizabeth Creamer
• Promising Practices - Virginia Western Community College
• Promising Practices - Tidewater Community College
• Presentation - Wendy Kang

Contacts

On Ramp College Contact List

Elizabeth Creamer
Director, Career Pathways
VCCS/Workforce Development Services
(804) 819-4691

Community College Workforce Development Service Locator

WDS_Locator