creating opportunity

Creating opportunity on a daily basis, the Advanced Learning team delivers educational and talent development initiatives centered on meeting the needs of regional employers. As the region’s epicenter for training and educating a skilled workforce, IALR collaborates with numerous partners to inspire, develop, credential and support advanced learning opportunities across the region—aiding economic transformation by generating a skilled pipeline of talent.

Meet our

Vice President, Advanced Learning

Julie Brown, Ph.D.

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Office: 434.766.6711
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Meet The Team

INSPIRING PreK-12

We start inspiring PreK-12 students when we foster their exploration of potential career paths and exposure to STEM learning opportunities. From GO TEC career-building courses and class field trips to an annual Career Choice Youth Expo, scholarships, internships and much more, we offer various options for teachers and parents to engage and prepare our future leaders.

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Supporting college students

College is a critical, life-defining experience and one we are proud to support with research projects, internships, scholarships and more. Discover how we can help the college student in your life maximize his or her potential and resume before entering the workforce or preparing for graduate school.

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developing talent

Through various programs and partnerships, IALR leads talent development efforts and initiatives for adults across the region. Learning opportunities exist for all stages of life and work, including those about to enter the workforce, incumbent workers and professionals, and retirees. Peruse our programs for professional development and learning options.

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promoting credentials

Promoting industry-recognized credentials leads to an educated, trained and workforce-ready community, which is appealing to existing, new and prospective industry. IALR proudly champions opportunities like National Career Readiness Certification, certification as a Community Health Worker and more.

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Our Impact

3,904
Career Expo Student Participants
The Expo is coordinated by the Institute and serves regional students.
127
AET & PGS Students
The Academy for Engineering and Technology and Piedmont Governor’s School are hosted at the IALR.
14,864
STEM Participants
The Institute offers high-quality STEM outreach opportunities throughout the year on and offsite.
419
STEM-H Summit Attendees
Opportunities for students, teachers and business leaders to advance their STEM-H skills
24,355
Service Hours
Dan River Year AmeriCorps members provided service hours throughout Southern Virginia.
"“Something that was beneficial for me was learning to ask questions at the end of my interview.”"
Chasity Robertson / Nottoway County
""The trip to Asphire was both informative and fun. It helped me widen my horizon about the working field and opened my eyes to new possibilities.""
King Catubig / Lunenburg County
"The AspHIRE mock interview day provides valuable experience to high school students across Southern Virginia, exposing them to important workplace skills and allowing them to experience an authentic interview process."
Jessie Vernon / IALR
"I love that scientists work together to solve problems"
Gavin Maxey / Sacred Heart
"“My students enjoy preparing for this program every year. Our hope is to inspire younger students to enjoy learning about science by showing them how it relates to everyday fun activities.""
Susan Propst / PGSMST
"The workflow cell training lab at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will put Southside Virginia on the map for advanced learning. This unique center’s one-of-a-kind workforce training approach is positioned to garner well-deserved national attention from employers and potential industry prospects. The partnership between Gene Haas Automation Inc.,…"
The Honorable Terry McAuliffe
"It has given me a large increase in my pool of knowledge. It has also given me a meaningful experience that will follow me for my entire life. It has helped me to solidify my passion for science and my desire to pursue a career in the STEM field."
Lance Hardcastle
"I am pleased with the opportunities the Foundation has provided to students and educators in our footprint. We believe these opportunities are a significant investment in IALR’s workforce and economic development efforts."
Kris Willard / IALR
"IALR is the type of education facility that can transform a region."
Barry DuVal / Virginia Chamber
"This year’s nominees and award recipients represent the creativity and STEM-H leadership in our region. Their commitment to STEM-H in the region ensures we have a vibrant workforce equipped with the skills needed to participate in an innovative economy"
Jessie Vernon / IALR
"For some youth, this is the first time they have been exposed to how STEM topics can integrate into traditional trades, like agriculture. It gives youth the vision to revolutionize the way precision agriculture is done, and expand their field of view to the variety of STEM careers they can…"
Daniel Hale / Danville 4-H
"Pittsylvania County Public Schools greatly appreciates the partnership established with the Advanced Learning Department of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. This department provides many STEM opportunities for teachers and students to extend learning and explore new areas. The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) is one example of…"
Dr. Mark Jones / Pittsylvania County Public Schools
"We were fortunate to have a talented and passionate group of interns. Their dedication to learning was contagious, and is an indicator of the community's future success."
Jennifer Atkins, M.S. / Tyton BioSciences

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