"New grant money will allow Laurel Ridge Community College to implement the mikeroweWORKS (MRW) Work Ethic Certification curriculum into various trades programs across the college's service area and beyond.

The $85,500 grant from the State Council of Higher Education will fund two instructors at Laurel Ridge who will dedicate part of their time to the MRW certification curriculum, which focuses on instilling hardworking values in students.

Developed by Mike Rowe of the hit TV show "Dirty Jobs," the post-secondary MRW Work Ethic Certification guides students through the 12 statements of the SWEAT (Skills and Work Ethic Aren't Taboo) Pledge.

'Through this program,' the mikeroweWORKS website states, 'we break down the origin of each statement in 12 lessons and examine why we believe every student and worker can benefit from embracing this pledge, regardless of their job or skillset,'" reports The Northern Virginia Daily.

Photo: Mike Rowe. mikeroweWORKS