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Virginia Peninsula Community College updates Poquoson leaders on enrollment, workforce programs and facilities
Summary
VPCC representatives told Poquoson council the college has grown enrollment in recent years, that its fastForward workforce credential program has expanded rapidly (127% growth since 2016) and now exceeds funding allocations, and that Poquoson currently has 11 students in fastForward; officials asked the city to monitor potential funding cuts.
Representatives from Virginia Peninsula Community College briefed Poquoson City Council on March 9 about enrollment trends, workforce training and dual‑enrollment opportunities for local students.
"The past two years we have seen an increase in enrollment and we're shooting for that third one coming up," Seth Fiser, VPCCdirector of advising, told council as he outlined outreach and recruiting initiatives. Dr. Carrie Ragno, VPCC vice president for academic affairs, said the college's fastForward workforce credential program has experienced rapid growth, ‘‘we've seen growth since 2016 by 127% and it is growing 20% year over year," and warned that the program has outstripped annual funding allocations.
Ragno said Poquoson currently has 11 students enrolled in fastForward courses and that the college is seeking additional legislative and grant funding to maintain the subsidized tuition structure (fastForward covers about two‑thirds of short‑term program tuition). She also described planned program expansions — structural fitting, hospitality and a behavioral health technician credential — aimed at local workforce needs.
On dual enrollment, VPCC described a new College Now partnership with Poquoson High School enabling students to complete associate‑level work in the high‑school setting and noted uniform certificates of general studies will transfer across Virginia public institutions. Ragno emphasized retention activities (tutoring, intrusive advising and student supports) and highlighted recent capital improvements including a reopened theater and an upcoming trade center in Newport News focused on maritime industries.
Council members asked for more granular locality metrics — for example, the percentage of Poquoson High School students participating in dual enrollment — and pressed VPCC to clarify how a pause or reduction of fastForward funding would affect Poquoson students. Ragno said she would consult the college's workforce director and respond with specific impacts and mitigation plans; VPCC staff also noted use of alternative grants to support students in recent funding pauses.
No formal action was required of council. VPCC said it will follow up with requested locality‑specific participation and funding impact details.
