About Us
Virginia Ready is a nonprofit organization committed to convening credential based learning opportunities to upskill Virginians for economic mobility.
Virginia Ready’s goal is to reward Virginians who seize the moment and commit themselves to training for in demand jobs. We’ve partnered with businesses across Virginia, Virginia’s Community Colleges and the FastForward Workforce Credential Program as well as Sentara College of Health Sciences and Grow with Google to equip Virginians with the skills needed for sustainable jobs in high-growth sectors.
Skills Development
Through partnerships with educational institutions and industry experts, scholars gain the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Professional Growth
Through workshops, mentorship programs, and resources for self-improvement, scholars gain the confidence, resilience, and professional mindset needed to thrive in their careers and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics.
Career Support
From career counseling to job search resources and networking opportunities, scholars receive the guidance and tools needed to advance in their careers and seize new opportunities for growth.
Our History
Virginia Ready, established in June of 2020, is a nonprofit organization initially formed in response to the economic hardships created by COVID-19. As the workforce and job market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals to have access to opportunities for upskilling and career development, particularly for those not interested in pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree.
Since inception, Virginia Ready has demonstrated its ability to provide value to Virginians looking for sustainable careers and provides ongoing support to individuals, businesses, and communities. Those accepted in our program take courses with our talent development partners, gain career readiness training and resources from our team, and are connected to our skills based employer network that offer careers with family sustaining wages. Scholars who complete our program also receive a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award.
Scholars are currently enrolled in one of our supported programs across the state preparing to join the workforce or advance in their career.
Virginia Ready has invested $5.5 million dollars in Virginians through support of our business partners by awarding the $1,000 Credential Achievement Award upon our program completion.
Too often job seekers are left behind after training. Through employer engagement, Virginia Ready creates more opportunity for scholars to find family sustaining employment.
Between our employer network and education partners, Virginia Ready has gained 37 “Skills First” partners who are leading positive change for the workforce of today and the future.
Our Mission
To enable Virginians to acquire the skills and resources they need to succeed in a competitive job market, while uplifting the value of credential-based scholars.
Our Team
Our team at Virginia Ready is comprised of passionate professionals dedicated to empowering individuals in their career journeys. With diverse expertise and a shared commitment to supporting our scholars, we are here to guide, inspire, and provide the resources needed for their success.
Catherine
Morvis
Executive Assistant and Operations Coordinator
Our Board
Our Board at Virginia Ready consists of esteemed leaders who bring their expertise and strategic vision to drive our mission forward. Committed to the success of Virginia Ready Scholars, they provide guidance, make informed decisions, and ensure our organization’s initiatives align with our goal of fostering economic mobility and career advancement.
Thomas J.
McInerney
Board Chairman, President, CEO Genworth Financial, Inc.
Cynthia
Lawrence
Director, Office of Workforce Development Carilion Clinic
Loretta A.
Penn
PECC, LLC
Becky
Sawyer
Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer Sentara Healthcare
Maria P.
Tamburri
VP Intergovernmental Affairs Dominion Energy
Glenn
Ballard
President & CEO, Dragonfli Group LLC
Work With Us
Join our mission to empower individuals and shape the future of workforce development in Virginia. At Virginia Ready, we welcome partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations that share our commitment to creating economic opportunities and fostering career growth. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and contribute to a thriving and inclusive job market.
Powered by our Partners
Latest Updates & News
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates and insightful blogs from Virginia Ready, empowering you with valuable industry insights, success stories, and resources to fuel your professional growth.
Financial & Governance Reports
At Virginia Ready, we believe in transparency and accountability. Explore our financial and governance reports to gain insights into our operations, financial performance, and governance practices, ensuring that your trust in us is well-placed as we work towards our mission of empowering individuals for career success.
Succeed in your Career. Become a Scholar.
Take the first step towards success in your career by becoming a Virginia Ready Scholar and gain access to valuable resources, training, and support to achieve your professional goals.
