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Virginia Gov. hints at plan for free community college

The governor described a program that would allow Virginia residents to attend community colleges for free in exchange for a year spent working in public service.
A walk across the stage, a quick handshake and a high school diploma. At 18, it is likely the biggest accomplishment of your life. For parents, it is a big deal too.

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he could soon be rolling out a plan for free community college tuition.

In a Wednesday announcement, the Democratic governor described a program that would allow Virginia residents to attend community colleges for free in exchange for a year spent working in public service or a high-demand field.

Northam said it would be called G3 for "get skilled, get a job and give back." He says he expects more details and a formal announcement to come in a few weeks.

The Virginian-Pilot reports Northam's proposal follows a plan he laid out while campaigning in 2017. At the time, he said the program would initially cost the state $37 million but would earn more than twice that amount back in income taxes after five years.

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