Higher Education

Senator Favola believes that higher education must be more accessible and affordable overall, and that more steps need to be taken to ensure equity in college admissions.  Much of her work has focused on helping vulnerable populations and students of color pursue post-secondary degrees without accumulating the heavy burden of college debt.

Senator Favola increased funding to expand Virginia’s dual degree program, so that students can work towards a trade certificate or associate degree while they are in high school. This program gives students a head start on their post-secondary education and removes significant cost barriers. Senator Favola worked with Governor Northam to create a no-cost community college option for students who wish to enter high-demand workforce tracks, such as nursing and cybersecurity, and whose household incomes are less than 400% of the federal poverty level. She also passed a bill to provide scholarship money to former foster youth pursuing an associate degree or trade certificate through Virginia’s community college system. Additionally, Senator Favola is particularly proud of her efforts to pass a law to allow Virginia’s DACA youth to attend public colleges and universities at the in-state tuition rate.

Senator Favola supported measures to make college admissions more fair, including successful legislation to prohibit legacy preferences in admissions and to “ban the box” on college applications, so that students with prior criminal convictions are given an opportunity to be fully considered for admission.