Mission
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, manufacturing advancement and conference services.
focus
Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Learn how we discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress and host excellence. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in preserving and delivering this mission on a daily basis.
Our Impact
Through advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, applied research, economic development and the IALR Conference Center, we bring together the many diverse resources of both public and private entities at the regional and statewide levels.
$212 Million
Announced Capital Investments
In Southern Virginia
Inside IALR Podcast
Upcoming Events
Our Accomplishments
IALR collaborates with organizations across Southern Virginia to drive economic transformation and regional growth.
Connecting Students and Employers
Approximately 4,546 middle and high school students connected with employers and learned about their region's career pathways and employment opportunities during the 2024 Career ChoICE Youth Expo events hosted at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham and Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville.
2024 Summer Interns Make Major Impact
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted 13 summer interns for a paid, eight-week experience in summer 2024. Working across many of IALR’s divisions and departments, each of these interns made significant contributions to IALR’s mission of driving economic transformation in Southern Virginia and beyond.
A Summer of STEM Fun
A total of 110 students participated in at least one of eight summer STEM camps hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) during June and July 2024. These engaging, hands-on camps sparked interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) primarily for students in grades 3-8.
Virginia’s Premiere Event Venue Hosts Conferences, Retreats and More
With over 25,000 square feet of premier, flexible meeting and event space, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center is Southern Virginia’s premiere event venue for small to large meetings, classroom training, corporate retreats, multi-day conferences and more.
2023 Apprenticeship Awards
During National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (Nov. 13-17), the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) acknowledged some of the organizations providing quality registered apprenticeship opportunities in Southern Virginia. Staff "popped in" on several of these partners to provide them with their 2023 ExTRA Awards.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East
Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East brings hundreds of producers, educators, scientists, engineers, developers, extension specialists and other industry members together. Building alliances, sharing information and forging new connections are key themes that drive the success of the event.
Endophyte Research
A unique venture at the forefront of biostimulant research, the Plant Endophyte Research Center at IALR leverages private and public partnerships and funding to study how endophytes can enhance agricultural production.
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
A consortium among partners such as the U.S. Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community College, Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group, ATDM is a prototype for rapidly developing skilled workers to enter the defense industrial base.
Advanced Machining Training
A collaborative, industry-driven model, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and Danville Community College offer a seven-month, advanced-level Integrated Machining Technology training program. Thanks to qualified instructors and state-of-the art technology and training sites, this program has enabled 120 students to take their advanced machining skills training and knowledge to the next level since 2015.
