Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin Donate Q1 and Q2 Salaries to Support Workforce Development in Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin have reaffirmed their commitment to workforce development and career training by donating their first and second quarter Gubernatorial salaries to two impactful Virginia nonprofits: the SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation and the SkillSource Group. The total donation of $87,500, with $43,750 going to each organization, was announced during a visit to the Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake and Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia Chapter Building in Dulles.

This donation marks a continuation of Governor Youngkin’s pledge to donate the entirety of his Gubernatorial salary to Virginia nonprofits, reinforcing his ongoing dedication to strengthening Virginia’s workforce, expanding career and technical education (CTE), and supporting job readiness programs across the state.

“In distinct but complementary ways, the SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation and SkillSource Group serve Virginia by linking students to the people and opportunities that will help them succeed in the workforce,” said Governor Youngkin. “It is an honor to recognize and support these two organizations, who are not only empowering the next generation of Virginians, but also driving the Commonwealth toward a brighter, more prosperous future.”

The SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation is a state-based nonprofit that supports over 13,000 students annually through leadership development, hands-on training, and industry-aligned competitions. It plays a pivotal role in connecting students to high-demand careers in more than 130 occupational areas.

SkillSource Group, the fiscal agent for the Northern Virginia Workforce Development Board, offers workforce training and career resources to over 1.9 million residents. The organization provides a wide range of services, including programs for youth, dislocated workers, reentry services, and support for individuals with disabilities. SkillSource’s initiatives create meaningful pathways to employment for Virginians across Northern Virginia.

“Career and technical education is an extremely worthwhile investment in the next generation,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Competencies in technical trades ensure Virginian’s futures—one credential, one job, and one success story at a time.”

Governor Youngkin was joined by Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater, Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, and representatives from both nonprofit organizations, including Jeff Sluss of the SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation and David Hunn of SkillSource Group.

“Virginia’s economic future depends on a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and empowered,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “By supporting organizations like SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation and SkillSource Group, the Governor and First Lady are helping more Virginians gain the tools they need to succeed in high-demand industries and lifelong careers.”

“The Youngkin administration is blowing up the one size fits all approach to education and helping Virginia students build a career pathway that provides the skills and knowledge to thrive in today and tomorrow’s top jobs,” added Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “Partners like SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation and SkillSource Group connect students of all ages—in our middle and high schools to our community colleges and universities—with job training, skill development, internships, apprenticeships, work-based experiences with employers, and other opportunities that open doors and change lives.”

David Hunn, President and CEO of SkillSource Group, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying, “The entire SkillSource Group team, from our Board of Directors to our front-line staff, are incredibly honored and humbled for this recognition by Governor Youngkin and Mrs. Youngkin. This salary donation is a tremendous testament of generosity and community building that will enhance our ability to continue serving Northern Virginia in the years ahead.”

SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation Executive Director Jeff Sluss highlighted the significance of the donation, noting, “For 60 years, Virginia’s best has gathered annually to showcase the talents these young people have to display for our business and industry partners. The Foundation is so grateful to Governor Youngkin and the First Lady for their support of this mission of training the next generation of skilled workers in the Commonwealth and for being a champion for CTE.”

This donation is part of the ongoing tradition of the Governor and First Lady donating their salary to invest in local communities and uplift Virginia nonprofits. The Youngkins’ support also aligns with their commitment to workforce readiness programs like VA Ready, which was created to reskill displaced workers for in-demand jobs during the pandemic.

The Youngkin administration’s focus on workforce development continues to provide valuable opportunities for Virginians to succeed in today’s evolving job market, ensuring a strong and prosperous future for the Commonwealth.