Aug 13, 2026
It's Laurel Ridge Community College Day on The Valley Today, and today's conversation tackles one of the biggest myths standing between people and a degree: the belief that they can't afford it. Host Janet Michael is joined by Guy Curtis, Director of Marketing, and Buddy Wilson, Director of Financial Aid at Laurel Ridge Community College, to walk through exactly what financial aid can look like — no matter your age or path.
From FAFSA basics to Virginia's lesser-known aid programs like G3, Fast Forward, and VASA, Buddy breaks down who qualifies and how to get started, while Guy shares upcoming open houses, welcome days, and info sessions happening across the region this month. If you've ever assumed financial aid "isn't for you," this episode is built to change your mind.
EVENT DETAILS
Community Info Session — Front Royal
- Reaching Out Now, 200 East 8th Street, Front Royal, VA
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Community Outreach Table — Handley Regional Library, Winchester
- Wednesday, August 20, 2026 1:00–4:00 PM
New Student Welcome Days
- Thursday, August 20 — 5:00–6:00 PM — Luray-Page County Center
- Friday, August 21 — 6:00–8:00 PM — Fauquier Campus
- Saturday, August 22 — 10:00 AM–1:00 PM — Middletown Campus
- RSVP requested online; students, parents, and family members welcome
LINKS & RESOURCES
- laurelridge.edu — main site, search bar for navigation
- laurelridge.edu/financialaid — financial aid page
- laurelridge.edu/visit — tours, info sessions, open houses, coach connections
THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations.
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