Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The January 20224 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are partnering through the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning to offer SMART Seminars. This three-part series is designed exclusively for business owners eager to revolutionize their marketing and social media strategies and tactics.
Participants can register for one, two, or three classes on February 21, 28, and March 6, 2024, to help unlock the limitless potential of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and leverage these tools for dynamic social media strategies.
“The classes are a direct result from requests of Chamber members in our annual membership survey,“ said Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. “Listening to the needs of business and responding with high quality, in-demand programming is a top priority. We are fortunate to have IALR as a partner because of their expertise and reputation in providing exceptional training.”
Topic: ‘AI Unveiled’: Delve into the fundamentals, demystify AI, and understand how ChatGPT operates. Gain foundational insights into integrating AI seamlessly into your social media repertoire. Embark on this transformative journey and revolutionize your small business’s social media prowess with the power of ChatGPT and AI.
Topic: ‘Crafting Connection’: Explore the art of crafting engaging content that resonates with your audience. Uncover techniques to create compelling and authentic interactions using ChatGPT, transforming your social media presence.
Topic: ‘Mastery & Innovation’: Elevate your expertise as we explore advanced AI strategies. Learn to innovate and adapt, utilizing ChatGPT to stay ahead in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
Brian Stanley, advanced learning program coordinator with IALR, will lead all classes. He serves as a program coordinator for the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning and the Dan River Year AmeriCorps Program. Stanley brings over seven years of experience in youth development and enrichment-based learning programs.
“This collaboration showcases the importance of lifelong learning and why businesses must continue their education to support long-term success,” stated Stanley.
Classes will be held at IALR located at 150 Slayton Avenue from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Space is limited to 30 participants per class. The cost to attend is $10 per class for Chamber members and $15 per class for non-members. Registration and payment are required to attend. Register for one, two, or all three classes at https://bit.ly/2024AIClasses.
The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its 560+ members organizations and 22,000 employee members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Danville and Martinsville.
A wave of 20 seventh graders at Gretna Middle School floods through the classroom doors right as the clock strikes 12:45. They take their seats at the computers around the classroom’s edge.
But this isn’t a traditional classroom.
In the middle of the room is a virtual reality welding simulator. Connected to each computer is a small robot that sorts blocks based on color. Near the door are several 3D printers and a laser scanner.
The teacher, Christy Shelton, calls each student to sit at the large center table and prepare for the day’s activity – the culmination of a weeks-long unit about electrical engineering. A palpable, chaotic energy permeates the room as Shelton tries to quiet the class and explain the assignment: creating a small flashlight utilizing a mini-LED light and a homemade circuit.
“Electrical circuits should be fun,” Shelton says in between rapid-fire instructions to the class.
Students participate in an electrical engineering project in a GO TEC Career Connections course at Gretna Middle School.
Each day, Shelton teaches approximately 100 students in this Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC® ) course, leading students in hands-on activities like engineering a flashlight and exposing them to STEM-focused career opportunities.
“My favorite parts were the electrical engineering and mechanical engineering,” says Caleb Dowell, a seventh grader in the GO TEC Career Connections class. He says the lessons are fast-paced, but they are engaging and inspire him to think about his future work.
“I’m still thinking about it,” he says about his future career plans.
The GO TEC program provides middle school students with innovative, hands-on exposure to careers in strategic sectors – and helps them identify the steps needed to pursue those careers. After starting as a pilot program that began in Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools, 9,000+ students from 44 different middle schools will interact with the GO TEC curriculum annually starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as the fiscal agent and program lead for GO TEC, which both provides applied STEM education and connects students to careers.
“There’s a lag time for education to respond to emerging technologies and industries. The GO TEC program focuses on shortening the lag time by introducing middle schoolers to these growing career opportunities and innovative technologies that are already taking root. This is an economic development initiative as much as it is a workforce development opportunity, and GO TEC helps set Virginia apart as a work-ready state with highly-skilled talent.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
The primary goal of the GO TEC program is to let students experience in-demand and growing manufacturing and engineering career fields with applied learning.
Many of the industry pathways covered in the program, such as welding and automation, require critical skills needed across various industries. Other modules, like controlled environment agriculture, are focused on a specific industry and combine various skills from other modules.
The Level 1 GO TEC experience is typically broken into a nine-week course with at least one module each week. Some of the modules, such as controlled environment agriculture, actually extend across multiple weeks and other modules.
| Electrical Engineering | Automation and Robotics | Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Welding | IT Coding and Networking |
| Manufacturing Engineering | Precision Machining | Metrology |
“They especially love the 3D printing, laser cutting and robotics, but you’ll get a few ‘aha’ moments with pretty much every module. I have the best job in education.” — Christy Shelton, GO TEC Career Connections Teacher, Gretna Middle School
Christy Shelton, GO TEC Career Connections Teacher at Gretna Middle School, says students have a few “aha moments” with almost every module.
Currently, 19 school divisions provide the GO TEC Career Connections curriculum to their middle school students. Some divisions offer GO TEC as an elective course that students can choose to take; others require that every student complete the curriculum at some point during middle school. Some divisions even have the capacity for students to have sequential experiences across multiple grade levels. It all depends on the size of the individual school and the division as a whole.
“We would love for 100% of students in our partnering divisions to have at least the level one exposure.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
Cumberland County Public Schools, one of the first school divisions to adopt the GO TEC program, requires every middle school student to participate in the GO TEC Career Connections program. A big part of the appeal for the school division was the “career exploration piece,” said Superintendent Dr. Chip Jones.
“They’re eager to go to class, they’re eager to learn, and they’re eager to learn about how they can build different things. They can see the application of what they’re learning in other classes. They’ll learn about angles in math class, and then in GO TEC they’ll see why it’s important to understand that concept.” — Dr. Chip Jones, Superintendent, Cumberland County Public Schools
Decades ago, it was common for middle schools to have industrial arts courses where students participated in applied learning with tools like drill presses and grinders. Those industrial arts programs became less common, and computers became the technology of choice as prices dropped and the Internet emerged. At the same time, society and parents guided more and more students towards four-year degrees.
“While having access to computers in the classroom is critical, we realize that we need to integrate other relevant and emerging technologies back into the classroom – less screen time and more hands-on, active learning.” — Jacob Taylor, Technical and Training Manager, GO TEC
While the most innovative element of the GO TEC program is the middle school labs, the multi-region effort is about more than just technology integration. Through partnerships with K12 school systems, higher education and industry, GO TEC is a collaborative talent pathway model that begins in the middle school Career Connections Labs and continues through high school, dual enrollment and postsecondary programs.
“Giving middle school students a hands-on, memorable introduction to skilled trades at such a formative time in their lives increases the likelihood that they will pursue those careers later.” – Ben Davenport, IALR Board of Trustees, State Board for GO Virginia
The GO TEC Career Connections program curriculum is both flexible and scalable. School divisions can choose which modules make sense for their particular area based on regional employers or economic development goals. Each module’s equipment and content is standardized, ensuring that students across the Commonwealth receive the best instruction.
IALR staff also operate a GO TEC bus, equipped with all the same equipment as the middle school labs. This mobile GO TEC Career Connections lab can be utilized for training or for student experiences.
Industry trends and needs guide both the subject and content of the modules. As the program has scaled, the GO TEC team has the expertise and infrastructure to rapidly develop new, industry-driven modules – like the CEA module that went from an idea to the classroom in just eight months.
“My goal is not just that great career opportunities are available in Southern Virginia, but also that my constituents have knowledge of those opportunities and access to whatever training, skills and education are necessary to obtain them. Through engaging, active experiences, the GO TEC program brings that awareness and guides students on the path of how to reach those careers.” — Frank Ruff, Virginia State Senator for District 15, State Board for GO Virginia
“GO TEC will stimulate job growth within the Commonwealth by creating dependable talent pipelines in strategic sectors, fostered through public and private partnerships.”
That’s GO TEC’s mission statement, which underscores the fact that the program, at its core, is about economic development, job growth and preparing students for quality local employment opportunities.
But, the program is also an effective recruiting tool for new companies.
Linda Green is the Vice President of Economic Development for IALR and the Executive Director for the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA). In a very general sense, Green’s job is to sell Southern Virginia to companies, convincing them that this is the best place for their company to establish a new operation or expand. Every company asks similar questions: “Where will the workers come from, and will they have the skills and background to meet our needs?”
To help answer that question, Green and other regional economic developers show the GO TEC program to every prospective company. Sometimes, they visit the GO TEC Training Lab at IALR; in many cases, however, they go to one of the middle schools, allowing prospects to speak with students and see the program in action.
A student at Gretna Middle School uses a welding simulator as part of the GO TEC Career Connections course. The program introduces students to strategic career sectors through applied learning.
“Businesses see the GO TEC classes and recognize the program’s value to inspire middle students as a source for their future workforce. The effectiveness of the GO TEC program – and how it funnels directly into a variety of other strong, proven workforce training programs – is a primary selling point for Southern Virginia.” — Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development, IALR; Executive Director, SVRA
The recent investments in the Southern Virginia region by various companies can be attributed to the presence of a strong and well-trained workforce. For example, Tyson Foods recently opened a fully cooked food production facility worth $300 million in the area. The company’s news release highlighted that this plant is one of their most advanced and automated ones, showcasing their commitment to incorporating innovative technologies. Tyson’s leadership expressed confidence in the region primarily because of the seamless pipeline of workforce programs available. This pipeline begins with GO TEC and extends to other regional programs. The availability of skilled workers reassured Tyson that they could implement more automation in their facility, which would result in a slight reduction in job numbers but an increase in overall quality and efficiency.
“GO TEC has influenced companies that have chosen to invest in Southern Virginia in the past few years,” Green says. “As the program expands to other regions, I am confident that the addition of GO TEC to their workforce pipeline will help other regions of the Commonwealth recruit new employers.”
And the program is already impacting other areas of the Commonwealth.
“Tomorrow’s successful companies depend on talent development done today, and GO TEC is an incredible way to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. Hampton Roads companies like Huntington Ingalls have played a vital role in this important program’s success and are helping Virginia maintain its position as a top state for talent.” — Douglas L. Smith, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance
The GO TEC program is still young. The first cohort of students who experienced multiple years of the Career Connections Labs are just juniors in high school today. GO TEC staff are looking at preliminary data to determine what tracking measurements are needed, determining if students are entering Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways or what else is beyond high school for them.
“We know how to support it, we know how to scale it, but in some ways, we are building it as we fly, learning how young people make future education and career decisions.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
In five years and during a pandemic, the program has effectively spread across the Commonwealth, serving students in 25 middle schools during the 2023-2024 school year. GO TEC 2025 is the plan to expand the Career Connection Labs and curriculum in 50 schools by 2025.
| GO TEC will serve 44 middle schools across 36 Virginia localities | 9000+ students will complete the GO TEC curriculum annually | The program leverages $20 million in total public and private investment |
The program leverages $9 million in total funding from GO Virginia, along with another $11 million from localities, federal agencies and philanthropy. A $3.4 million grant from GO Virginia is driving GO TEC 2025.
“Exposing middle schoolers to the diverse career options available to them in their community – as well as the jobs that will become available in the future – is a strategic approach that is worth the financial investment.” – Frank Ruff, Virginia State Senator for District 15, State Board for GO Virginia
To allow this growth, the GO TEC team is expanding to include program coordinators and training coordinators in four different regions of Virginia, as well as three positions (program director, technical and training manager, and program assistant) based out of IALR. Six of these positions will come on board with IALR in early 2024.
IALR, the GO TEC lead agency and coordinator in GO Virginia Region 3, is also working with three In-Region Coordinating Entities (IRCEs), each of whom are housing training labs and partnering with IALR to drive the program’s expansion in different regions. (IALR also has a training lab for teachers in GO Virginia Region 3.)
“A longtime partner of IALR, we have worked for years to bring new public-private partnerships to Southwest Virginia focused on developing the talent pipeline of the workforce of tomorrow. With the alignment of the growth sectors projected for our region and the GO TEC focus areas, we raised our hand to coordinate the GO TEC expansion to continue the work all toward our workforce of tomorrow. Undoubtedly, GO TEC will positively impact our region of Southwest Virginia.” – Mary Anne Holbrook, Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of Southwest Virginia
The strength of GO TEC is in the collaboration between industry, academia and K12, but the program is only possible because of widespread public and private sector support. For instance, localities and school divisions invest in the equipment needed to outfit the labs at each school and provide the space and classroom teachers.
“As the GO TEC curriculum reaches more students across different regions of Virginia, the program’s impact will only become more measurable and profound. I am confident that current and future investments from IALR, GO Virginia and other partners will continue to reshape and improve career exploration opportunities for Virginia students.” – Ben Davenport, IALR Board of Trustees, State Board for GO Virginia
The December edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
Litehouse Foods of Danville, Va., signed the company’s first industrial maintenance mechanic apprentice during a ceremonial event at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on Oct. 6. In this role, apprentice Joseph Echols will learn how to safely maintain and repair manufacturing machinery and equipment integral to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of the plant.
This is a four-year, or 8,000-hour, apprenticeship term where wage rates will increase in connection with apprentices’ occupational knowledge and skillsets.
IALR hosted a ceremonial signing event for Litehouse Foods’ first industrial maintenance technician on Oct. 6.
From left to right: Natori Neal, IALR Apprenticeship Coordinator; Kara Joyce, DOLI Apprenticeship Consultant; Neville Moe, Litehouse Foods Plant Manager; Joseph Echols, Litehouse Apprentice; Craig Mauldin, Maintenance Engineering Manager; Michelle Shorter, Human Resources Generalist II.
“IALR is proud to partner with Litehouse Foods and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry to launch this Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program at their Danville facility. This program will allow Litehouse to effectively upskill current employees like Joseph and provide effective, paid on-the-job training for new employees in the future.” — Natori Neal, IALR Apprenticeship Coordinator
Litehouse, Inc. started in an Idaho restaurant owned by the Hawkins family over 50 years ago. Since that time, it has become the leader in refrigerated salad dressings, dips, sauces, herbs, and cheese, manufacturing these delicious products at its four U.S. facilities based in Sandpoint Idaho, Lowell Michigan, Hurricane Utah, and Danville Virginia. Litehouse offers its diverse portfolio of products through general retail, e-commerce, food service, deli, member stores, and value-added goods where Litehouse products are featured in meal and salad kits. Litehouse is proud to be 100% employee-owned, and each one of the employee owners carries on the high standards of quality and innovation.
“We believe that apprenticeship programs like this are essential to our future success. We understand that by investing in the next generation of talent, we are not only shaping our own success but fostering a culture of learning and development. Our apprenticeship programs are not just a part of our company; they are a living embodiment of our Core Values.” — Neville Moe, Plant Director
Echols is a current student at Danville Community College (DCC) who also holds two Industrial Technician Associates of Applied Science degrees from DCC.
Virginia registered apprenticeship programs require a mix of on-the-job training and related technical instruction (RTI). The model includes a paid job experience for employees that includes a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction (RTI).
“We welcome Litehouse Foods to the Registered Apprenticeship family. As it does for many Virginia manufacturers, Registered Apprenticeship helps Litehouse Foods create a consistently trained and skilled workforce that performs at a high level. Congratulations to Litehouse Foods.” — Kara Joyce, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships (ExTRA) program, which is supported by grants from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, IALR has helped establish 18 apprenticeship programs with various companies across Southern Virginia in industries like construction, healthcare and manufacturing. Supported by grants from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, this program helps reimburse eligible RTI costs for employers establishing new registered apprenticeship programs.
IALR’s apprenticeship program is part of the EmPOWER framework, an employer-driven, work-based learning system of programs that systematically connects students to careers through focus areas like career awareness, career exposure and engagement opportunities, and career experience through apprenticeships, internships and other work-based learning programs.
In partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the Danville Life Saving Crew – the primary Emergency Medical Services provider for the City of Danville – signed 13 individuals as Virginia’s first Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) registered apprentices during a ceremony on Oct 6. Over the next several months, these 13 apprentices will be fully employed with the Danville Life Saving Crew while they study and practice in a classroom environment in preparation to obtain their Emergency Medical Technician Certification from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. In addition to the National Registry certification, each person completing the program will obtain their Journeyworker Credential from the State Apprenticeship Agency. The EMT apprenticeship program is one year, which equates to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training.
“IALR is proud to work with the Danville Life Saving Crew to facilitate the development and launch of the first Registered EMT Apprenticeship program in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In a time when emergency service providers around the country are struggling to hire and retain qualified personnel, this apprenticeship program will increase the number of trained and qualified EMTs for the Danville Life Saving Crew. This innovative program represents a milestone in IALR’s goal to expand talent through registered apprenticeship and demonstrates how apprenticeships can be used to develop skilled workers in non-traditional sectors.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator for IALR, a Virginia Division of Registered Apprenticeship Intermediary and program sponsor
 During an Oct. 6 ceremony, the Danville Life Saving Crew signed 13 registered EMT apprentices. |
 Created in partnership with IALR, this is the first registered EMT apprenticeship program in Virginia. |
“This EMT apprenticeship program will benefit the participants by providing mandatory training for an EMT position. Adding a cohort of new EMTs like this enables the Danville Life Saving Crew to grow its team and provide qualified emergency medical personnel for our community. “The Crew piloted this program in 2022 before beginning the process to become registered apprenticeship program sponsors. Working with Tori and the Institute has been easy and successful, and we are very pleased that our program is the first registered EMT apprenticeship program in Virginia.” — Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew
Virginia registered apprenticeship programs require a mix of on-the-job training and related technical instruction (RTI). For this program, the RTI will be front-loaded into the first 10 weeks and provided by the Danville Area Training Center. After completing classwork and waiting for their EMT exam date, the apprentices will work as a third person on an Emergency Response Vehicle. After passing their exam, the apprentices will be certified EMT-Basics and can continue on-the-job training with increased duties alongside a mentor. The apprentices will respond to emergency calls, provide basic life support/pre-hospital services to the critically ill and injured, and transport patients to a medical facility, always working in collaboration with and under the direction of other crew members and the incident command.
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Division of Registered Apprenticeship approved the Danville Area Training Center as a private RTI provider earlier this year. The apprenticeship program was officially registered with DOLI in April.
After their one-year term, these apprentices will receive their Journeyworker Credential, a portable, nationally recognized credential from the State Apprenticeship Agency that demonstrates mastery of skills and competencies. In addition to the EMT and Journeymen certificates, participants will also earn CPR and Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) certifications. After obtaining these certifications, these individuals can then serve as mentors for future EMT apprentices.
Registered apprenticeship is an occupation-specific training model designed to produce highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers. The model includes a paid job experience for employees that includes a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction.
“The Division of Registered Apprenticeship is proud to partner with IALR to increase the reach of registered apprenticeships as a training and career pathway. The registered apprenticeship program with Danville Life Saving Crew demonstrates new ways to utilize the RA model to increase needed emergency credentials. This opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ will broaden the pool of trained emergency personnel for the Danville area, illustrating why registered apprenticeship is a win for everyone from the DLSC to the citizens whom they will serve.” — Kara Joyce, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships (ExTRA) program, IALR has helped establish 18 apprenticeship programs with various companies across Southern Virginia in industries like construction, healthcare and manufacturing. Some of these companies have already hired apprentices to complete those programs, whereas others are working through logistics before beginning to hire apprentices. IALR’s efforts to expand registered apprenticeship programs in Southern Virginia are supported by grants from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. These grants fund both IALR’s Apprenticeship Coordinator — Natori Neal, who began work in February 2022 — and reimburse eligible RTI costs for employers establishing new registered apprenticeship programs.
IALR’s apprenticeship program is part of the EmPOWER framework, an employer-driven, work-based learning system of programs that systematically connects students to careers through focus areas like career awareness, career exposure and engagement opportunities, and career experience through apprenticeships, internships and other work-based learning programs.
“Working with partners to connect students to careers and prepare Southern Virginia residents for career opportunities is a major focus of IALR. The new, unique Registered EMT Apprenticeship program exemplifies our commitment to workforce development that meets the needs of both the trainees and the employers in the region.” — Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager
The Virginia Career Works West Piedmont Region is partnering to provide supportive services for apprentices in the program, including 50% wage reimbursement to DLSC for 10 weeks. They will also provide monetary incentives to apprentices for reaching certain milestones during the program.
The Danville Area Training Center was established and dedicated in 2003 to provide a regional training facility to the city of Danville and nearby agencies. Today, the Danville Area Training Center (DATC) educates thousands of healthcare providers, EMTs, and community members annually. The DATC offers courses in First Aid and CPR, Basic and Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Emergency Medical Technician, Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Operations, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Mass Casualty and Traffic Incident Management.
Serving the City of Danville and portions of the surrounding counties, the Danville Life Saving Crew employs volunteers and career staff to provide prehospital care. First founded in 1945, the Danville Life Saving Crew’s mission is to be the leader in delivering prehospital care to the sick and injured. It is also their goal to provide superior training to our members and members of other agencies throughout the community.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s primary service area is Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Tessy Henderson remembers attending the Career ChoICE Youth Expo as a ninth grader with Halifax County High School. Now a welder with Hitachi Energy, this year she attended the Career Expo to show students the welding simulator.
Tessy Henderson remembers seeing firetrucks and ambulances, linemen and utility companies and many other career opportunities while attending the Career ChoICE Youth Expo as a ninth grader. And she remembers the welding simulator.
That was five years ago. A 2022 Halifax County High School graduate, Henderson now does welding work for Hitachi Energy in South Boston. And this year, she got to return to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo with Hitachi, using the welding simulator to show students the basic welding concepts.
“It’s really a full-circle moment. It’s crazy being behind the table this time instead of in front of the table,” Henderson said.
The 2023 Career ChoICE Youth Expo events – hosted at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham and Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville – allowed 4,027 middle and high students to connect with employers and learn about career pathways and employment opportunities in their region. Over its 10-year history, 36,710 students have participated, allowing local employers to inspire and educate the next generation and helping students understand the opportunities available to them.
“This is an opportunity to connect our young people with all the great career pathways available to them in Southern Virginia. Employers have a chance to meet their emerging workforce and talk to them about their careers.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as the primary organizer, working closely with participating school divisions, employers and volunteers to bring the event to life. The event is funded by sponsorships from local businesses and organizations in the community, including platinum sponsors PATHS, IALR, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, JT-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust, Goodyear, the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) program and Sovah Health.
| 3,200 students from the following school divisions attended the Career Expo West event at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex: Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania. | 827 students from the following school divisions attended the Career Expo East event at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville: Cumberland, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties. | In total, regional employers, organizations, educational institutions and businesses managed 95 activity stations to introduce students to career opportunities and pathways. |
Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students IMAGINE their potential, CONNECT with employers and EXPLORE career possibilities. Career ChoICE connects students to regional employment information and employers through hands-on activities, a comprehensive printed career guide customized for the region, and virtual resources.
“The event’s goal is for students to learn about different organizations and employers in the region and what job opportunities are like here in Southern Virginia. We also help students make informed decisions about what steps they would need to take to attain that career.” — Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR
Over the 10-year history of the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, 36,710 students have participated, learning about local career options and development opportunities.
The event format is simple: there are several zones, each of which is filled with employers administering hands-on activities. The students work their way through each zone, interacting with the employers of their choice. Activities range from virtual reality simulations to actual “hands-on” demonstrations and tests to spin-the-wheel style games.
“The employers are doing something that’s a hands-on, brief snapshot of what it’s like to be in their field. Rather than handing them a pamphlet, we really want the students to engage with the employers and ask questions.” — Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR
In addition to the time spent at the Expo, students receive an extensive booklet packed with resources like career assessments, questions to ask employers and consider when evaluating employment opportunities, career readiness skills to develop, profiles of young professionals in the community and much more.
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo events do more than just inspire and introduce students to possible careers. The events showcase the diversity and quality of career opportunities in Southern Virginia – and help students understand how to get there. This event – along with many other programs administered by IALR’s Advanced Learning Division – forms a pipeline of students in strategic sectors that are aligned with economic development interests.
At the Career Expo West event in Chatham, there were approximately 70 different stations representing the Virginia Department of Education’s 17 different career clusters, including disciplines like STEM, business management and administration, energy, government, health sciences, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and many others.
At the Career Expo West event in Chatham, there were approximately 70 different stations representing the Virginia Department of Education’s 17 different career clusters, including disciplines like STEM, business management and administration, energy, government, health sciences, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and many others.
“We want students to have a greater awareness of what career opportunities are available right here in Southern Virginia. Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo events, students learn about high-quality career options right here in their community. What’s better than reading about it or hearing about it from a friend, they actually experience something memorable.” — Telly Tucker, IALR President
But it’s not just employers doing the inspiring. Various educational institutions (including four-year colleges and universities, higher education institutions and workforce training programs) highlight the wide-ranging educational pathways for students. Students engaged with representatives from the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, the Sovah School of Health, Danville Community College, Averett University and Patrick & Henry Community College, among others.
Multiple representatives participated on behalf of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program – a rapid training program at IALR.
“It’s exciting to expose students to the world of manufacturing and help them choose that path,” said CNC Machining Instructor Justin Owen.
Shelby Irving (center), Fire Marshal with the Danville Fire Department, says that a few current firefighters had previously attended the Career Expo as students.
“I want to do that when I grow up,” a middle school student exclaimed after experimenting with a CNC machine Danville Community College staff operated. I’m doing this when I grow up,” he repeated.
Joseph Distad, an Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology at Danville Community College who had been explaining the machine’s functions to the student, could not help but smile.
“The whole goal of the Expo is to inspire students, to capture their imaginations and show them potential careers. In many instances at the Expo, you can see that inspiration and imagination happening in real time – a truly rewarding experience.” — Joseph Distad, Assistant Professor of Precision Machining Technology at Danville Community College
Shelby Irving, Fire Marshal with the Danville Fire Department, spent the two days at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex letting students try on turnout gear while teaching them about careers in firefighting.
“Over the years, we’ve gotten kids from the career expo that went on to be firefighters with the city,” Irving said.
Two employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research are participating in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside – a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Apprenticeship Coordinator II Natori Neal and Justin Owen, CNC Machining Instructor with the ATDM program, are two of the 35 local leaders in this year’s cohort.
“Through the Leadership Southside program, I hope to better understand my strengths and their influence on my leadership style. I am excited for the opportunity to become a better leader, grow personally and professionally, and network with other professionals and leaders across the region.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II, Participant in Leadership Southside Program
As Apprenticeship Coordinator, Neal is responsible for employer outreach and developing registered apprenticeship positions in partnership with regional employers and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Neal has several years of experience in workforce development, community and business engagement and human services. Neal holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University, as well as certificates in crisis intervention and career development.
“I not only want to grow as an instructor, but I also want to grow in my professional career. I see tremendous value in the program as I continue to advance in my career and look forward to discovering what leadership means for me.” — Justin Owen, CNC Machining Instructor, Participant in Leadership Southside Program
Owen is a CNC Machining Instructor with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Before joining the ATDM program in 2020, Owen helped establish and provide instruction for the machining program at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center. Owen holds multiple industry certifications, an Associate of Applied Science in Integrated Machining Technology from Danville Community College, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Averett University.
Now in its 31st year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort will meet once a month, focusing on topics like the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will lead the new Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) Innovative Internship effort serving Southern Virginia. Involving higher education institutions, K-12, economic development organizations and employers, this collaborative will promote and develop opportunities for employers and students to connect through work-based learning. It will also help prepare both students and employers for those opportunities.
“Working with excellent partners, IALR has a proven track record in developing and growing work-based learning programs and activities that make a tangible impact on the regional economy. We are excited to lead this collaborative, which will improve the work-based learning landscape across 15 localities in Southern Virginia.” — Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning
This collaboration will have a positive and measurable impact on:
A $250,000 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) funds this initiative. IALR is the ninth and final regional collaborative grant, which is part of a larger effort by SCHEV to expand work-based learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. Similar efforts are being led by Northern Virginia Community College, James Madison University, UVA-Wise, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, Virginia Commonwealth University (in partnership with ChamberRVA), Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia (in collaboration with Virginia Career Works – Piedmont).
These grant funds will empower employers to improve their work-based learning initiatives and connect with students. The primary goal of the collaborative will be to inventory, promote and improve work-based learning and internship opportunities across Southern Virginia. Through surveys and joint meetings, IALR and partners will explore how to expand work-based learning opportunities and better connect businesses and talent. The collaborative will seek to identify and share work-based learning best practices and support options.
Organizations, businesses, economic development organizations and educational institutions in V-TOP Region 3 should contact Jessie Vernon about participating in this collaborative.
“The grant was awarded to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research to help coordinate efforts with other partners and employers to expand quality paid and credit-bearing student internships and work-based learning opportunities in Southern Virginia. This marks a milestone for the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), which is pleased to have all nine regions represented.” — Alisha Bazemore, Assistant Director of Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives with SCHEV
Over the last decade, IALR has served as Southern Virginia’s lead intermediary for many career exposure and engagement opportunities for K12 and postsecondary students, convening partners and securing extramural funds to support various career development initiatives. Current work-based learning opportunities IALR supports include apprenticeships, internships, mock interview days, teacher externships and high school teamships. This collaborative will extend the impact of IALR’s existing work-based learning framework to better support students at the postsecondary level, resulting in two net new offerings:
V-TOP seeks to better connect students, higher education and employers to facilitate more and improved work-based learning opportunities. Funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program, Virginia TOP is supported by the Virginia Chamber Foundation, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
“When will I ever use this in the real world?”
A Math and Algebra 1 Teacher at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School, Brittany Price, hears that question from her students almost daily.
“They want to know how the content they are learning in class will help them in their chosen career field one day,” she said. “These are valid questions that were difficult for me to answer.”
After participating in the Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE) program earlier this summer, Price is better equipped to answer those questions and connect math concepts to regional employment opportunities. In just a week, Price spent time in Press Glass in Ridgeway, Henry County Public Safety, the Animal Medical Center in Danville and Danville Utilities.
“After participating in EXCITE, I can see how the math we teach students can be applied in different industry scenarios.” — Brittany Price, Algebra Teacher, Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School
Brittany Price (right) was one of 21 Southern Virginia educators who participated in the week-long EXCITE program this summer. During this externship program, these educators visited local industries, learning about opportunities in the region and making connections to the classroom.
This year 21 Southern Virginia educators participated in the week-long EXCITE program, connecting with local industries and employers and making connections to their classrooms. Two cohorts of educators visited various employers, including government organizations, manufacturers, sawmills, HVAC companies, utility providers and many other industries.
“I can share my experience at these businesses with my students and let them know what job opportunities are available and what skills they will need to succeed.” – Wayne Talley, Carpentry Teacher at Mecklenburg County High School.
First developed in 2018 and funded by the Danville Regional Foundation and organized by IALR, the professional development program is now available for educators across GO Virginia Region 3.
The main goal is simple: to connect the classroom to the workplace by engaging teachers and counselors with business and industry. Teachers improve their pedagogical practices by incorporating new methods, labor market information and employment skills that meet current industry standards.
The goal of EXCITE is to…
“The EXCITE program helps educators to better understand opportunities in the region, problems that employers are experiencing and the types of workers they need. This knowledge filters down to the students and allows these teachers to make real-world connections with students.” — Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, IALR
Educators spent the first four days visiting companies across Southern Virginia during the week-long program. The participants took tours, learned about different sectors’ required education and skills, and shadowed employees performing hands-on activities. On the fifth day, the educators met to discuss lessons learned and ideas for classroom implementation.
“Thanks to EXCITE, I was able to develop several different lesson plans that I can use in my classroom that go along with required content in Pre-Algebra and Algebra I,” Price said.
While the participants learned about technical skills and operations at each business, the need for soft skills was one of the main themes throughout the externships.
Some common themes from the post-program surveys:
| Area companies are expanding quickly and looking for workers now. | In many industrial jobs, workers are retiring, and insufficient workers are coming in to replace them. | Many skills can be taught. Employees need a good work ethic, punctuality, and a desire to be there to succeed. |
“I learned what local employers are looking for in new hires,” Talley said. “Employers need workers who excel in soft skills. Businesses can train employees to do the required job if the worker shows up ready to work.”
Wayne Talley, Carpentry Teacher at Mecklenburg County High School, and Deborah Talley, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, were two of the 21 participants in this year’s Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE) program. Morgan Lumber Company was one of the industries they visited.
Morgan Lumber Company in Red Oak, Va., was one of the 25 organizations that hosted teacher externs this summer. Safety and Compliance Coordinator Lucas Bowman said the company is recruiting many employees and is trying to engage with the community. This opportunity, he said, represented an opportunity to do both of those things.
“We’re able to discuss our business and the challenges we face with finding new employees, skills that they might be lacking, and the teachers can see real-world situations where the things they might be teaching translate to careers in the area.” — Lucas Bowman, Safety and Compliance Coordinator, Morgan Lumber Company
Externships give employers like Morgan Lumber Company avenues of involvement with K12 school systems. Employers inform educators about their expectations of employees in various positions and offer input to their curriculum, thereby contributing to preparing their future workforce.
One simple required skill in most industrial settings is reading a ruler/tape measure. Many organizations shared this same example and said that many employees must learn this skill after starting.
“If we can relay little things like that to the educators, they can hopefully find ways to address it and incorporate that skill in future lessons,” Bowman said.
Employers can also become guest speakers and mentors, host field trips and job shadows, and offer internships for students. In-kind donations of time and expertise allow employers to show their commitment to their community.
Organizations or businesses in GO Virginia Region 3 that would like to participate in the EXCITE program in 2024 can learn more here and should reach out to Kiana Dillard.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) seeks businesses, organizations and volunteers to support the tenth annual Career ChoICE Youth Expo. This year’s expo events will be on September 20-21 in Farmville and September 27-28 in Chatham.
On September 20 and 21, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo East at Hampden-Sydney College will serve schools in Buckingham, Brunswick, Cumberland, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties. On September 27-28, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo West at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham will involve schools in the following school divisions: Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania.
Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students IMAGINE their potential, CONNECT with employers, and EXPLORE career possibilities. Career ChoICE connects students to regional employment information and employers through hands-on activities and virtual resources. Career ChoICE endeavors to ignite students’ imaginations to career opportunities in the region.
Thousands of students attend these annual events, which are part of an intentional effort to build a pipeline of students in strategic sectors aligned with economic development interests.
“The Career ChoICE Youth Expo exposes students of all ages to different career opportunities in our region and allows local companies to meet their future talent. We are looking for volunteers, activity providers, and sponsors to join us in helping students explore the awesome career opportunities available here in our region.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager
“The career fair is important because it gives kids an idea of all the opportunities available right here in the community they live in.” – Amy Cole, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
There are several ways to support the Career ChoICE Expo events in Chatham and Farmville.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2021-2022 annual report, which highlights innovative and collaborative partnerships across departments that are transforming the economy of Southern Virginia.
“Significant economic growth has resulted due to robust partnerships across the region. IALR stands ready to serve as Virginia’s go-to partner for education and workforce development, business and economic growth, and a globally competitive business ecosystem.” – IALR President Telly Tucker.
One of the pivotal moments of the report period is the creation and adoption of the new IALR Strategic Plan, which will guide IALR’s work and efforts for the next five years. With input from key stakeholders, the plan establishes strategic goals to outline how IALR can best capitalize on its unique strengths to impact the region.
Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 21 and FY 22:
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework is spreading into schools across the Commonwealth. The GO TEC program is just one component of the newly developed and proven EmPOWER system – an employer-driven model to systematically connect students to careers through career awareness, exposure, and engagement and experience. Future and current members of the workforce, as well as businesses, find joint benefits in problem-solving teamships, apprenticeships, externships and internships, mock interview days and more.
While striving to promote a diversified economy by serving a variety of industries, much of IALR’s impact in 2021-2022 was in the manufacturing sector. Expanding the existing middle-school-through-college workforce development pipelines, the new Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is a rapid adult-learner model that prepares talent for jobs in the defense industrial base. ATDM launched in 2020 and is already proving successful and showing what modern public-private partnerships should look like. In addition, IALR partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Danville Regional Foundation to construct the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a new destination for manufacturers ready to optimize and scale and home to the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
Through the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech, IALR has established itself as a global leader in the CEA industry. The presence of the innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment are already making an impact on Southern Virginia. Thanks to best-in-class resources, including lab spaces and staff, the Applied Research team provided 30 companies with applied research and testing services like analytical chemistry, polymer testing and more.
In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many other economic development organizations, IALR is proud to champion the area while working with local, regional and state partners. In FY 21 and 22, the Southern Virginia region saw $498 million in announced capital investment and 1,288 new jobs. IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses by providing critical testing services and lab space to innovative companies across industries. The Bridge to Recovery Program connected companies with suppliers and helped businesses become more resilient post-pandemic.
The Institute Conference Center hosted a variety of events geared toward the growth of industry sectors and Southern Virginia, including trainings and economic development activities. Numerous companies, including anchor and growing employers held successful job fairs, connecting community members with quality employment. An extensive renovation of the main building and a relaunch of Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café, have allowed the Institute Conference Center to provide even better service for the 20,800 guests who visited.
IALR, Longwood University and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) collaborated to offer AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2023 to 202 high school students this Spring. Tenth through 12th graders from six school systems participated in this event to hone their interview and employability skills with local professionals. Students came from Danville City, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Nottoway Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward Counties.
“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,” said Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager.
The event was organized by IALR and held on April 7 and 26 at IALR, on March 29 at SVHEC, and on April 25 at Longwood University. Local employers led work-readiness sessions and served as mock interviewers. To make this event possible, 66 volunteers provided their time, serving as interviewers and providing employability skill sessions.
“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
“Something that was beneficial for me was learning to ask questions at the end of my interview.” – Chasity Robertson, Nottoway County.
AspHIRE Mock Interview Day is designed to give students an opportunity to build their skills through a practice interview with a local professional and several employability skill sessions. Students are given a “conference” style experience, networking with peers and professionals at a professional lunch and attending breakout sessions. The latter included topics on Benefits and HR Basics, LinkedIn and Indeed, Personal Brand and Presentation, Professionalism and Communication, Teamwork and Problem Solving, and Time Management and Work-Life Balance.
The first event was held at IALR in 2019 for students in Danville and Pittsylvania County and was expanded to include additional partners in the years since then.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) was awarded a grant of $230,000 from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The grant will fund the continued impact of the Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) AmeriCorps program, which has provided public health workshops and educational opportunities in concert with the REACH Partnership since 2022.
“We are so excited to see the positive and tangible impact that our REACH AmeriCorps members will continue making on health outcomes of individuals, families and the community as a whole,” said Dana Silicki, Advanced Learning Program Manager at IALR. “This grant will allow REACH AmeriCorps to continue serving the Dan River Region by addressing health and education needs.”
“The REACH partnership is committed to addressing systemic barriers to physical and mental health services for at-risk populations, and health education outreach offered by the REACH AmeriCorps program is a key part of that,” said Dr. Cassandra Shelton, REACH Program Manager. “The continued funding of REACH AmeriCorps will allow us to effectively and systematically improve health education and access.”
The REACH AmeriCorps program is dedicated to expanding capacity for public health service by providing direct outreach and education service in the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County (NC). Members provide individualized support, addressing the region’s most pressing physical and mental health challenges.
IALR is recruiting 15 part-time REACH Community Health Educators, who will conduct community health workshops over nine months in targeted census tracts in the Dan River Region. Workshops will be based on specific population health topics, addressing areas of high need and chronic health issues. Members will serve approximately 25 hours per week.
In conjunction with the REACH AmeriCorps program, The REACH Partnership, an effort supported by The Health Collaborative of the Dan River Region, deploys Community Health Workers and Community Paramedics – referred to as coordinated care teams – to assist with an individual’s physical and mental health needs and connect clients to community resources, addressing the myriad social determinants of health. The REACH Partnership includes the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (lead and fiscal agent), Virginia Cooperative Extension, Piedmont Access to Community Health Services, Gateway Health, Sovah Health Danville, Compassion Healthcare, the Danville Life Saving Crew, Caswell County EMS, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services and Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The Partnership efforts are funded by a $6.3 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation.
AmeriCorps State and National, a federal-state partnership with a central role for Governor-appointed State Service Commissions, develops and implements state-specific national service programs. These grants allow organizations to recruit, train and supervise AmeriCorps members who are providing services to support education, disaster services, health, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity and service to veterans and military families.
AmeriCorps State and National engages more than 65,000 Americans in intensive service each year. AmeriCorps members in the AmeriCorps State and National program receive a modest living allowance. At the successful completion of each service term, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs. Members who are age 55+ when they begin service may gift their Segal Education Award to immediate family members.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
After a month of research and ideating, students present their solutions regarding the adoption of smog-eating billboards to Kegerreis Digital Marketing as part of the NOW teamship program in early April of 2023.
During the month of March, you could find three groups of juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) pouring over data, talking through complex problems and researching new industries throughout the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) campus.
One group was busy researching Environmental Protection Agency regulations for pollutants in drinking water. Another was analyzing staffing issues for a science center with inconsistent seasonal attendance trends. The other was exploring how to catalyze widespread adoption of a unique, eco-friendly billboard. On the surface, none of these problems seem like typical course work for high school students.
This was all part of the 2023 cohort in the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program that prepares students for the workforce by allowing them to solve real problems from real businesses with guidance from coaches. This framework was developed by District C – a North Carolina-based nonprofit that is proliferating the model throughout the United States.
Students worked collaboratively and creatively over the course of a month to understand and provide viable solutions for complex problems presented by three unique organizations – including an engineering firm, a marketing company and a museum funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. With support and coaching from IALR staff, these students from AET learned collaboration and effective problem-solving skills that will benefit them in the workplace.
“The NOW teamship model is about learning the skills and tools necessary to solve messy and complex problems with different people,” said Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager and one of the NOW program coaches. “It makes them think about the actual process that they use to solve the problem more than the problem or solution itself.”
The basis of the NOW program is unique: a business provides an open-ended problem to a group of students who, with guidance from a coach, work together to provide solutions.
“The business partner poses an open-ended problem or question to the students, and then the students work together to solve it,” Vernon said. “Throughout that process, the coach is providing the students tools for successful collaboration and work.”
In this iteration with AET, the students held two meetings with the business to ask questions and learn about the problem, trying to understand any important causes and context and previous efforts to solve it. The student groups met to analyze the problem, research the context and collaborate on potential solutions. After about a month, the students presented their findings and potential solutions to the businesses.
Several IALR staffers became certified coaches with District C in 2019. After completing the training, Advanced Learning Program Managers Jessie Vernon and Dana Silicki and John Hatchett, AET Coordinator who is employed by Danville Community College, have the resources and knowledge to coach groups of students through the process. The first cohort of AET students completed the program completely virtually during the onset of the pandemic in 2020, and the junior class has completed this program in-person every year since then.
The primary objective of the teamship experience is to provide two key skills to the student participants: effective collaboration and problem-solving. Students learn to utilize four critical career mindsets – analytical, design, collective and self-aware – to not just solve the problem but understand it in full.
“One of the first tools that they teach is how to properly interview the client that has the problem, how to dig and dig deeper and get down to the nitty gritty of why this is a problem,” said, Lisa Mettler, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center’s Career Tech Academy, who has coached one teamship cycle with students and another with adults, as well as two intensive summer camps.
Through interview sessions with the businesses, research and data analysis, students figured out the problem and its full context – a critical step to be able to offer a solution.
Adam Goebel, Executive Director of the Danville Science Center, meets with a group of students working to provide solutions for staffing difficulties at the museum, through the NOW teamship program.
“It built my problem-solving skills and helped me develop different tools to assist with the problem-solving process,” one student said in the completion survey.
“It allowed you to slow down and actually comprehend the problem instead of just solving it on the spot,” another student said in the completion survey.
Cora Wilson, an AET student who worked on a problem around worker attraction for Comfort Systems USA in the teamship program in 2022, said that participating helped her develop teamwork skills and stronger relationships with her team members.
“This experience allowed me a chance to make a real-world impact in my community and provides a basis for the problem-solving process I will have to go through as an engineer in my future career,” she said.
While the teamship experience is meant to prepare students for the workplace by providing collaboration and problem-solving skills, the program also provides major benefits for the businesses that participate. With just a five-hour time-commitment, businesses can gain fresh perspectives on difficult problems at no cost, all while helping develop future talent.
For this cohort of students, IALR partnered with organizations: the Danville Science Center, Dewberry and Kegerreis Digital Marketing.
Adam Goebel, Executive Director of the Danville Science Center, provided a complex and industry-wide problem to his team of students. In short, the students explored how to divert and respond to seasonal trends where about 90 percent of group visits come in a six-week period in the spring, which leads to staffing difficulties.
Students provided several possible solutions, a few of which were already being implemented (unbeknownst to the students) and a few of which were operationally or financially unfeasible. Goebel said there are no silver bullet solutions to this industry-wide issue, but he and his team are already exploring how to implement two of the ideas students presented.
“They did a good job thinking outside of the box,” Goebel said. “That’s what impressed me the most, was the fresh eyes and fresh perspective from which they looked at the problem.”
Leslie Mantiply, Associate and Project Manager with Dewberry, provided her group of students a complex problem about new enforceable Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding treatment limits for PFAS – a chemical commonly found in waterproofing, and plastics known to have health effects. Mantiply had no expectations for student solutions since the concept was new to them but was thoroughly impressed with the comprehensive approach they took to understanding and addressing the issue.
“The two solutions provided are very viable and require community engagement and teamwork,” Mantiply said. “I think variations of the initiatives proposed will be seen as communities begin to address the treatment limits set for their waterworks.”
After a month of research, collaboration and brainstorming, AET students present their final proposed solutions to Dewberry as part of the NOW teamship program.
John Mauger and Larz Kegerreis with Kegerreis Digital Marketing tasked the students with exploring how to jumpstart the adoption of smog-eating billboards. (The proprietary technology allows billboards to absorb smog from the air around it. The board is fully compostable once it is taken down). The students broke into three groups and “attacked it from three different angles,” focusing on ways to initiate legislation and advocacy, consumer buy-in, and billboard company adoption.
“Thanks to this teamship program, we actually have a renewed optimism in being able to use this technology,” Mauger said. “The real answer is that it will probably be a combination of all of these solutions.”
After IALR and AET demonstrated the viability of the District C teamship program with students from AET, the framework is expanding across Southern Virginia. Several educators across the region have become certified coaches and began implementing the program in their classes and as extracurricular activities. Earlier in April a group of students from Chatham High School under the guidance of Tara Stafford completed the teamship program, solving a problem for the Danville Otterbots.
Several more teachers from Halifax, Brunswick and Lunenburg counties plan to or are in the process of obtaining the certification from District C, which requires 55 hours of training. The SOVA Innovation Hub is funding the professional development costs for these educators.
“If we really want to scale the program, it makes more sense to get educators to get trained as coaches so they can offer it at their schools,” Vernon said.
Even with the 55-hour certification process, Mettler said that the results are worth it – both for the educator and the students they will coach. “It is an incredible opportunity for personal and professional development. It is an incredible opportunity to make real improvement and give resources and skills to students. It’s authentic and it’s impactful.”
Educators who are interested in participating should reach out to Jessie Vernon.
In addition to training more educators that can implement this problem-solving teamship, IALR and District C are looking for additional businesses who would be willing to participate. With just a five-hour time commitment, businesses – regardless of size and business model – can benefit from the solutions provided all while providing a valuable growing experience for the students.
“The time investment was minimal and the impact the program had on students was great,” Mantiply said.
“I would do this program again in a heartbeat,” Goebel said.
The average person would say that the produce or agricultural products they buy at the store are produced, not manufactured. With the growth of the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry, however, more and more food and agricultural products are actually the result of high-tech manufacturing processes. Innovations in indoor agriculture – and a related need for a skilled workforce –are growing globally and right here in Virginia.
At the request of Carroll County Public Schools, leadership of the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) initiative developed a unique, five-week CEA module that allows middle school students to experience a full plant growth cycle. Introducing students to critical sectors like electrical engineering, quality control, automation and manufacturing engineering, the CEA module exemplifies the purpose and strategy of GO TEC: to proactively develop unique and memorable career exposure opportunities across strategic sectors.
The CEA module is now in middle schools in Carroll and Grayson Counties with the potential to move to other localities across the Commonwealth in the near future.
GO TEC staff consulted with CEA industry experts and conducted trials on this vertical growing rack before beginning to implement the CEA module in middle schools.
Often referred to as indoor farming or indoor agriculture, controlled environment agriculture is a unique approach to producing food. By utilizing technology to develop the ideal growing conditions, CEA is a way to create quick-to-harvest food products. Every variable – including soil composition, light type and exposure time, nutrients, etc. – is monitored and controlled.
There are many different styles of controlled environment agriculture, but most approaches can be classified as either hydroponics or aeroponics. With hydroponics, plant root systems live in soilless growing environments that introduce nutrients through a water-based mineral nutrient solution. Aeroponics, on the other hand, introduces nutrients through a mist.
Located on the IALR campus, the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a demonstration site, research hub and agricultural technology training center. The CEA Center features various hydroponic and soilless systems/production systems and facilities including indoor growth rooms, greenhouses, growth chambers and vertical growing racks. With this facility and research, the success of the first annual CEA Summit East hosted at IALR and the new GO TEC module, IALR is establishing itself as a global leader in the CEA industry.
“IALR and Virginia Tech are making major contributions to the continued development of the controlled environment agriculture sector by combining extensive and cutting-edge research capabilities with a focus on education and industry advancement,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research at IALR. “This new GO TEC module about CEA technologies and processes is a smart program considering the rapid growth of the industry – and corresponding need for a talented and trained workforce.”
Leafy greens produced in vertical growing racks in the CEA Innovation Center at IALR.
Through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K-12 school systems, higher education and industry, GO TEC provides real-world workforce training and talent development. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs and continuing through high school, dual enrollment and post-secondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways.
Most of GO TEC’s other modules, which include content about industries like welding, precision machining, cybersecurity and mechatronics, are one-week introductions. The new CEA program, on the other hand, extends for five weeks.
“The idea is that students can participate in a full growth cycle from seeding the nursery to harvest within a grading period of a class,” said Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager for GO TEC. “In five weeks, you can go from planting the seed to eating the salad.”
The project starts with students placing lettuce seeds in a small nursery environment. Approximately one week later, students prepare the nutrient solution, configure the light and pump cycles and transplant the budding plants from the nursery into the growing racks. Over the next several weeks, students learn about the importance of equipment calibration while monitoring pH and electrical conductivity levels – two key indicators of plant health and growth. Depending on the goals of the instructor, students can conduct experiments for light cycle hours and nutrient solution variations – learning about quality control in the process.
Students in the GO TEC CEA module start by planting seeds in a nursery like this one before transplanting them to the vertical growing rack.
Participants learn about agricultural technology and life sciences manufacturing while seeing the connections and technological integrations with other career sectors, each of which are represented by their own stand-alone GO TEC module. Some of those industries include:
Agriculture and manufacturing remain two of the largest industry sectors in Virginia, and controlled environment agriculture combines the two. Virginia leaders have championed the controlled environment agriculture industry as a target sector, successfully recruiting multiple companies to locate in Virginia over the years.
New Jersey-based AeroFarms now operates one of the world’s largest aeroponic smart farms in the Cane Creek Centre here in Danville-Pittsylvania County. The company credited the presence of IALR as one of the reasons it chose to locate in Southern Virginia. AeroFarms has announced plans to create 166 jobs and the capacity to produce 3 million pounds of leafy greens annually. In September 2022, it was announced that Plenty Unlimited Inc. would invest $300 million to build the world’s largest indoor vertical farming campus just outside of Richmond, creating 300 jobs. Other CEA companies are operating or growing in Virginia, combining technology with agriculture and creating quality jobs in the process.
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matthew Lohr presents AeroFarms leaders a Virginia flag at the 2022 grand opening of AeroFarms’ Danville vertical farming farming facility.
While the mechanics and styles can vary from company to company, controlled environment agriculture inherently involves technology and automation – two skills that are core to the mission of GO TEC. This new CEA module exposes middle schoolers to the career possibilities – and the required skillsets – in the rapidly-growing sector, improving Virginia’s position as a destination of choice for controlled environment agriculture.
“Southern Virginia is leading an industrial revolution as agriculture and manufacturing intersect to provide opportunities for a better tomorrow through the integration of technologies,” said Linda Green, Vice President, Economic Development at IALR and Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. “By combining the best of STEM training for manufacturing with general agriculture training, this new GO TEC module is a great resource for workforce development – one that I will promote to prospective companies looking to locate in Southern Virginia.”
What started as a pilot program with just a few modules in two school districts, GO TEC has grown significantly – both in terms of location and programs – and has positively impacted Southern Virginia over the past five years.
While staff have added modules for new industry sectors every year, the creation of the CEA module demonstrated the flexibility of the GO TEC framework. After the request from Carroll County Public Schools, GO TEC staff purchased equipment, conducted tests and prepared the module between March and August of 2022. Carroll County introduced the new module in the fall of 2022, and Grayson County implemented theirs in the spring of 2023.
“This is the first example of us looking at adopting a technology, buying something, checking it out, making sure it worked, consulting with subject matter experts and then implementing it in a classroom,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning at IALR.
Backed by funding from GO Virginia and other sources, the GO TEC framework continues to move into schools across the Commonwealth. Thanks to a $3.4 million grant awarded in December 2022, GO TEC staff are being recruited in other regions of the Commonwealth and Career Connections Labs are slated to be in 50 middle schools by 2025. As the program expands, the GO TEC team has learned to balance flexibility and structure, supporting standardization of the GO TEC pathways and middle school curriculum while allowing for some flexibility and regional “flavor” to meet the needs in each region of Virginia. The development of new trainings like the CEA module exemplifies that goal of allowing industries and regions to drive the program content and growth.
Have you ever made a rainbow walk, built a shamrock circuit or wanted to catapult your lucky charms? Come to St. Patrick’s Day STEM camp to have fun exploring hands-on science, technology, engineering and math St. Patrick’s day themed activities!
The cost is $20 and students are required to bring their own lunch.
To register, please contact Dana Silicki:
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking employers and businesses across Southern Virginia to partner and participate in several work-based learning programs. With varying levels of time and financial commitments, these programs help employers grow the regional workforce and allow students to connect and learn about quality career opportunities in the region.
“We operate a variety of youth workforce development programs that are mutually beneficial to the participants and the businesses involved,” said Jessie Vernon, Program Manager for Advanced Learning at IALR. “Our programming helps build recruitment pipelines and exposes youth in the region to the opportunities available with area businesses. While we coordinate these programs, they truly would not be possible without the support of our business and community partners.”
Each of the programs below are part of EmPOWER, an employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers. Through career awareness, engagement, and experience we can build pipelines of students whose interests and skillsets align with current employer needs and economic development interests.
IALR is looking for businesses to host teachers or school counselors through Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE), a professional development program operating for educators across 15 counties in Virginia. By placing educators in local businesses through this teacher externship program, IALR helps connect the classroom to the workplace. With first-hand exposure, teachers can design and implement classroom activities, projects and work-based learning opportunities that will add relevance and meaning to students’ classroom learning.
Participating businesses commit between one and three days during the summer to host an educator. There is no financial commitment associated with this program.
Businesses interested in hosting an educator this summer can reach out to Jessie Vernon. The deadline to sign up to host an educator is May 19th.
IALR is looking for businesses that can host a high school or college intern this summer. Companies will receive project/business support as they mentor and aid in the skill development of a young person and might just train their next hire.
More than 26,000 students across Southern Virginia have access to MajorClarity, a work-based learning platform where all internships will be posted. This gives businesses access to the best and brightest students across the region. Internship duration and hours are customizable and companies may be eligible for matching funds for the cost of the intern.
Those interested in hosting a summer intern at their business should complete this online interest form. The deadline to request a summer 2023 intern is April 28th.
IALR is looking for volunteers to participate as mock interviewers or session presenters at AspHIRE mock interview days across Southern Virginia. The mock interview days provide high school juniors and (primarily) seniors an opportunity to hone their interview skills with a local professional. In addition to their interview, students take part in a formal business lunch and six work-readiness sessions.
The AspHIRE Mock Interview Days will take place at the following locations and times:
The minimum volunteer commitment is 1.5 hours, but business professionals and employers who would like to invest more time are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
In partnership with community employers, economic developers, K-12 divisions and higher education institutions, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and GO Virginia Region 3 will utilize $3.4 million in recently announced GO Virginia funds to scale the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework into additional localities across the Commonwealth. These funds will allow for the addition of In-Region Coordinating Entities (IRCEs) and IALR GO TEC staff in three GO Virginia regions (1,4, and 5), building the infrastructure and administrative capacity to expand the existing, proven GO TEC model.
“The GO TEC framework has been incredibly successful, both as a pilot program right here in Danville and Pittsylvania County and as we have partnered with other localities across Virginia,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning at IALR. “With this additional funding from GO Virginia, we will be able to support the current and anticipated expansion into dozens of K12 schools across multiple regions of the Commonwealth. I’m excited to see how GO TEC makes a positive, direct impact on the students, educational systems, economic development efforts, and overall success of these regions, just like it has in Southern Virginia.”
“GO TEC Virginia 2025 demonstrates that like-minded leaders from education, business, non-profit organizations, and government can work together to create for our students a clear pathway to high-paying jobs in their hometowns,” said Tim Clark, Chair of GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “GO Virginia Region 3 is pleased to have supported the growth of a partnership between IALR staff and Southern Virginia’s school divisions and community colleges to make GO TEC a success for our students and businesses – a partnership that will now be expanded to benefit other regions in Virginia.”
The GO TEC program is expanding into the following GO Virginia regions and localities:
GO TEC delivers workforce training and talent development through a collaborative, hub-and-spoke model that involves K-12 school systems, higher education and industry. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs and continuing through high school, dual enrollment, and post-secondary programs, GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics, and advanced materials.
GO Virginia, Virginia’s initiative for growth and opportunity in each region, is an economic development initiative through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development that supports programs to create more high-paying jobs through incentivized collaboration between business, education and government. This expansion of GO TEC is the result of $3,474,821 in GO Virginia grant funding, which was part of more than $5 million in GO Virginia grants announced by Governor Youngkin in December 2022. The state funds are matched with $2,4426,079 in local and federal funds from the partner organizations. The GO TEC program already has a strong presence in GO Virginia Region 3, including in Danville, Pittsylvania County, Martinsville City school divisions and several others.
As of spring 2023, GO TEC Labs are available in 25 middle schools across 19 school divisions. These recently awarded funds will allow the GO TEC program to expand into additional localities in the southwest, central, and Greater Hampton Roads areas of the Commonwealth. As a result of these funds, IALR anticipates that the GO TEC program will be available in 50 middle schools by 2025.
IALR and GO Virginia Region 3 will remain the primary administrators, but these funds will allow for the creation of three additional training labs across the Commonwealth, bringing the total to four. These funds will also establish GO Virginia In-Region Coordinating Entities (IRCEs) that will partner with IALR to drive GO TEC expansion – supporting teachers, validating talent pathway opportunities, and quantifying Virginia’s return on investment in the form of job creation, job placement and private sector investment. The United Way of Southwest Virginia will serve as the IRCE in Region 1. The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) will serve as the IRCE in Region 4. Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODURF) will serve as the IRCE in Region 5.
“The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), with support from Virginia State University and Brightpoint Community College, are proud to be the In-Region Coordinating Entity for GO TEC Virginia 2025,” said CCAM President & CEO John Milton-Benoit. “This initiative strengthens our ties with our K-12 partners and will generate excitement for students to enter into STEM-related careers. We applaud the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research for their vision of a long-term workforce pipeline solution for advanced manufacturing companies in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
“ODU is excited to support the expansion of the successful GO TEC program into Hampton Roads to grow tech and engineering careers,” said Morris Foster, Vice President for Research at ODU. “This grant will help ODU and our partners continue to bolster the talent pipeline for the skilled trades that power our region.”
“United Way of Southwest Virginia is excited for what this funding means for our region’s workforce,” said Travis Staton, President and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Virginia. “Technology and engineering tend to produce high-paying jobs, something our area needs. GO TEC is known for creating pipelines of skilled workers to empower these industries and the United Way of Southwest Virginia is known for researching, building, and scaling programs. This is a powerful collaboration that can help our region gain a competitive edge.”
The existing program coordinator, program manager, and technical and training manager will continue operating out of IALR. Each region will have an additional training coordinator and program coordinator that will support GO TEC activities in their respective regions. These funds will not only be used to scale the program, but will develop an effective data evaluation plan and model to monitor and evaluate results.
GO TEC began as a successful pilot program with middle school Career Connections Labs and curriculum development starting in 2018 in Danville and Pittsylvania County. With a $4.9 million GO Virginia grant in 2019, the program was expanded throughout GO Virginia Region 3 and into regions 1 and 4.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. For more information, visit www.ialr.org.
