GO Virginia Region 2

The Central Virginia Community College CTE Academy will deliver necessary workforce training for individuals in Central Virginia Community College’s service region. An estimated 1120 students will complete a credential or certificate from the Central Virginia Regional CTE Academy. Programming will concentrate on the four targeted priority industry sectors: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information Technology, and the automation segment of the food and beverage sector.

Project Eagle is growing Region 2’s life sciences and health sector by bringing marquee programming into a dedicated shared lab facility to serve the needs of smaller emerging startups and existing regional biotech companies. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center is partnering with the biotech accelerator team from Johnson & Johnson Innovations JLABS to provide a rich set of lab facilities and services. This project has broad support across Region 2 including stakeholders from The City of Roanoke and Montgomery County.

The Blockchain Ecosystem Catalyst (BEC) is a collaboration of Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science, Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, and Continuing and Professional Education with partners including the Virginia Tech Foundation and Valleys Innovation Council. The project aims to address current talent needs for mid-career professionals and lay the groundwork for Blockchain certifications through seminars, short courses, and training events.

RAMP is a 12-week accelerator program that supports technology-based startups through seed money and mentorship. RAMP has seen great success connecting startups with mentors. To date, 27 mentors have been engaged in the project and seven mentors have been matched. Businesses in Pulaski, Blacksburg, and Roanoke are participating.

CERE offers students from across the Commonwealth of Virginia opportunities to observe and assist with research in the fields of science and engineering. Labs are now operational and used by industry leaders, faculty, and researchers. As a result, six new jobs have been created by partner entities.

The project offers high school students drone-centered learning and training opportunities through dual enrollment. Nearly two dozen students, including 17 from Rockbridge High School, have participated in the program with two other high schools expected to participate in the program in Spring 2020.

Ignite through The United Way of Southwest Virginia (UWSWVA) will expand their efforts in GO Virginia Region 1 to GO Virginia Region 2 with a goal to facilitate regional collaboration between schools and employers to equip and retain the next generation of the local workforce. Through a collaborative effort between K-12 and industry, the program will focus on creating industry experience opportunities and enhanced occupational awareness.