Virginia Highlands Community College President Dr. Adam Hutchinson told the Bristol City Council on Nov. 25 that a new Bristol Promise will guarantee a tuition-free experience at VHCC for eligible Bristol high‑school graduates.

"If you live in Bristol city limits, when you graduate from high school, if you'll start at VHCC right away, we can guarantee you have a tuition free experience at Virginia Highlands Community College," Hutchinson said, announcing a program supported by the Ann and Jean Worrall Foundation.

Hutchinson said the program will begin in fall 2026 and is modeled on the Washington County Promise. He said the scholarship covers traditional transfer programs and workforce training — including commercial driver's license instruction, phlebotomy and certified nursing assistant training — and that no income limits are applied to eligibility.

Staff and council members framed the program as both an education and economic-development initiative. Hutchinson provided enrollment figures and local economic impact numbers, saying VHCC brings an annual budget of "almost $20,000,000 into the region" and that roughly 413 Bristol residents currently attend VHCC. He said about 88% of VHCC graduates live within 50 miles of the college, which supports regional workforce retention.

Council members praised the program as a pathway for residents who do not pursue four‑year degrees and for skilled‑trade preparation. Several councilmembers and attendees recounted personal community-college experiences and thanked the college and the foundation for the funding and partnership.

The presentation ended with an offer for questions and with staff and council members saying they will help publicize the eligibility and application process through local schools and VHCC channels.