RICHMOND—On November 6, 2025, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development administratively approved the following Region 2 project aimed at growing the regional economy. Region 2 consists of the cities of Covington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, and Salem and the counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski, and Roanoke.

Vector Space Robotics Program Planning in Lynchburg

Vector Space, a makerspace and community workshop, will conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the expansion of educational robotics programs will lead to valuable credentials, internships, and other workforce outcomes in the Lynchburg area. The outcomes of this planning project will shape a follow-up implementation project to support the construction of a new educational robotics facility adjacent to the makerspace.

The project aims to address the challenges of attracting talent and filling jobs in engineering companies in Lynchburg, including Framatome, BWXT, and Delta Star.

The project will result in a market analysis and stakeholder report, architectural plans for the new robotics facility, development of robotics training program curriculum, equipment research, and interior floor plan drawings.

“When it comes to keeping youth in our community, nothing is stronger than bonds that are formed through mentorship. A robotics program built on professional mentorship will allow local employers to influence the curriculum and create bonds with youth, who may be future employees,” said Elise Spontarelli, executive director of Vector Space.

The GO Virginia board approved a total of $97,200 in state funds for the project, which is leveraging $49,500 in non-state sources.

“The Vector Space Robotics Program is more than a feasibility study—it’s a bold step toward building a future-ready workforce in Lynchburg. By connecting youth with mentors and industry leaders, we’re not just teaching robotics; we’re cultivating the next generation of innovators who will power our region’s economy,” said Richmond Vincent, vice chair of the GO Virginia Region 2 council.

In 2022, Vector Space was awarded $324,000 in GO Virginia funding to lead the Vector Space Workforce & Entrepreneurship Initiatives in a Regional Makerspace project. This project aligned with Region 2 goals to support workforce development and the start-up ecosystem. Activities included the implementation of a new workforce training program, Women in Machining, and an entrepreneur training program, CO.STARTERS, to assist aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship, access to equipment and technology, and support services. Over the course of the two-year long grant, Vector Space trained scores of students and entrepreneurs, launching 17 new businesses.

GO Virginia is a statewide initiative designed to encourage Virginia’s economic growth through the creation of high-wage jobs. Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic and Community Engagement serves as Region 2’s support organization.

Contact
John Provo
540-357-2949
jprovo@vt.edu