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Driving Economic Transformation

Melanie Lewis Joins IALR As Vice President, Advanced Learning

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Melanie Lewis Joins IALR As Vice President, Advanced Learning

Melanie Lewis Joins IALR As Vice President, Advanced Learning

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce that Melanie Lewis, Ph.D., will join the leadership team as Vice President, Advanced Learning, effective Jan. 20, 2026. With extensive experience in higher education, workforce development and talent pipeline strategy, Lewis brings a track record of aligning academic programs with workforce needs, building partnerships and implementing strategies that prepare learners for high-demand careers. As the Vice President, Advanced Learning, Lewis will oversee programs and initiatives that deliver educational and talent development initiatives that meet employer needs, increase STEM capacity, connect students to careers and promote lifelong and service learning across Southern Virginia.

“This role allows me to give back to the community that helped shape me while advancing IALR’s work in economic transformation. I am especially excited to lead the advanced learning division, where education is intentionally aligned with workforce needs to create lasting, meaningful impact.” – Melanie Lewis, Ph.D., Vice President, Advanced Learning

The largest program of the Advanced Learning division is Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®). Now in 76 Virginia middle schools and continuing to expand across the Commonwealth, GO TEC provides hands-on exposure to careers in strategic sectors, such as manufacturing, engineering and technology. Lewis will also oversee work-based learning programs through the EmPOWER framework, including the ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program, as well as various other initiatives such as Dan River Year AmeriCorps, the REACH Partnership, the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning and others.

Lewis brings more than 15 years of experience in education and workforce development. Most recently, she served as Dean of Health and Public Services at Alamance Community College, where she guided multiple academic programs and strengthened connections between education and industry. Previously, she held leadership roles at Averett University in Danville, Va., where she advanced academic programs and student success initiatives. Lewis has a Ph.D. in Education from Northcentral University, a Master of Science in Sport Studies from High Point University, and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise, Sport, Health and Education from Radford University.

Lewis will report directly to IALR President Telly D. Tucker and will play a key role in advancing IALR’s mission to catalyze economic transformation through education and workforce development.

“As the region’s hub for workforce development, IALR is committed to building pathways that lead to meaningful careers. Melanie’s experience and vision will ensure our Advanced Learning division continues to deliver innovative programs that serve students, employers and communities.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Executive Vice President of Operations Dr. John H. Hughes IV will continue serving as Interim Vice President of Advanced Learning until Lewis assumes the role on Jan. 20, 2026.

“It was a pleasure to serve as the Interim Vice President of Advanced Learning during our nationwide search, and I welcome Dr. Lewis to the IALR Team. She steps into this role with an action-oriented leadership style focused on regional collaboration and supporting workforce pathways through education. I am excited for  Dr. Lewis to join our resilient and dedicated colleagues in IALR’s Advanced Learning division, and we look forward to working with her.” – John H. Hughes IV, Ed.D., Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with 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 Martinsville and Danville. 

Inspire Tomorrow’s Workforce at the 2025 Career ChoICE Youth Expo

Inspire Tomorrow’s Workforce at the 2025 Career ChoICE Youth Expo

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo, Southern Virginia’s premier hands-on career exploration event, is back this fall. It offers local businesses, organizations and community members an opportunity to impact our region’s future workforce. Coordinated by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Career ChoICE connects thousands of middle and high school students with local industries, highlighting the exciting career paths at home.

Two Locations, Endless Opportunities

  • Sept. 17 & 18 – East at the Joan Perry Brock Center, Longwood University (Farmville)
  • Oct. 1 & 2 – West at the Old Dominion Agricultural Complex (Chatham)

These events engage over 4,500 students annually from across Amelia, Buckingham, Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward, Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania schools.

Ways to Get Involved:

Host an Interactive Exhibit

Showcase your industry to enthusiastic students through hands-on demonstrations, equipment displays, or engaging conversations. Exhibitors receive booth setup support, tables, chairs, and power access, plus breakfast and lunch. This is your chance to help students visualize future career possibilities while promoting your business’s visibility in the community.

Sign up to Exhibit Today

The deadline to register for an exhibit is Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).

Sponsor the Expo

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is entirely sponsor-funded, ensuring the event remains free for both exhibitors and school attendees. Your sponsorship directly covers, meals, materials, and event logistics. Multiple sponsorship levels are available, each recognized at the event and in promotional materials. Make a lasting investment in Southern Virginia’s future talent pipeline.

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

The sponsorship deadline is Aug. 12.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteers are crucial for creating a welcoming and organized experience. Help guide student groups, distribute materials, or assist with logistics. No specific experience is needed—just your willingness to help. Whether you volunteer for an hour or the whole day, your involvement significantly impacts the event’s success.

Become a Volunteer

The volunteer registration deadlines are Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).

Submit a Young Professional Profile

Highlight your organization’s emerging talent by encouraging a young professional (under 35) to share their career journey. These profiles inspire students by providing relatable examples of local individuals thriving in their chosen fields.

Submit a Young Professional Profile 

All Young Professional Profiles must be submitted by Aug. 12 to be considered for the printed Career ChoICE booklet.

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo aligns with 14 in-demand career clusters and features over 90 employers. It provides students with invaluable insights into local training and career pathways. Participating is simple, rewarding and impactful.

3,600+ Students Participate in Career ChoICE Expo West

3,600+ Students Participate in Career ChoICE Expo West

The 2024 Career ChoICE Youth Expo West kicked off on Sept. 25 with middle school students exploring various career paths, followed by high school students on Sept. 26.

As they moved from station to station, students engaged directly with employers and educational providers. They explored the backs of ambulances, tried out a fighter pilot video game at the U.S. Army booth and received 3D-printed giveaways while learning about careers in additive manufacturing. These hands-on activities allowed students to see career opportunities and imagine themselves in future roles.

“This event is about creating a tangible connection between students and their potential futures. It helps students see the wide variety of career options and gives employers a chance to inspire their future workforce.” – Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)

1,900 middle school student participants 1,707 high school student participants   190+ organizational volunteers each day 21 sponsor organizations 

Middle schoolers focused on career awareness and learning about various industries and future possibilities. High school students engaged more directly with educational programs and job opportunities, helping them make informed decisions about their next steps.

Students from the following school divisions participated in the event:

  • Danville Public Schools
  • Pittsylvania County Schools
  • Martinsville City Schools
  • Halifax County Public Schools
  • Henry County Public Schools
  • Patrick County Public Schools

“We want our students to have as many pathways as possible. I don’t want young people to think they’re pigeonholed into a certain occupation. Young people need to be able to dream and have vision. That’s why Martinsville City Schools brings our students to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo every year.” – Zebedee Talley Jr., Ed.D., Superintendent, Martinsville City Schools

At the Chatham event, 66 stations represented career clusters like STEM, health sciences, manufacturing, government and law enforcement. Platinum sponsors, including Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®), IALR, J.T.-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust, Piedmont Access to Health Services and Sovah Health, supported the event.

Career ChoICE Youth Expo West 2024

“We come every year because of the impressions we can make on students before they make career choices. This is a pivotal time in their lives.” – Codie Cyrus, CEO, C&C Piping & Fabrication

At the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students engaged in various hands-on activities to spark interest in different industries. They operated heavy machinery through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s simulator and practiced replacing blown fuses on power poles with Danville Utilities. Healthcare providers offered mannequins for students to learn hands-only CPR while law enforcement agencies showcased specialized equipment. Danville Community College featured a robot and a tabletop CNC machine to highlight their automation and precision machining programs. These experiences gave students a real-world glimpse into potential career paths.

Educational pathways were also highlighted, with institutions like Danville Community College, Averett University and Patrick & Henry Community College showcasing their programs. Each student received a Career ChoICE booklet with resources on career readiness and local job opportunities.

Now in its 11th year, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo continues to inspire Southern Virginia’s future workforce. It connects students with employers and educators, helping them explore diverse career paths and build a brighter future for the region.

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo East event at Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville will serve middle and high school students in the following divisions: Amelia, Brunswick, Cumberland, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward. It will take place on Oct. 9 and 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Employers and volunteers can still register to participate.

Register to Support the Carrer ChoICE Expo East 

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo events are part of IALR’s Advanced Learning division’s commitment to systematically connecting students to careers and building STEM capacity. 

4,000+ Students Connect with Employers at 10th Career ChoICE Youth Expo

4,000+ Students Connect with Employers at 10th Career ChoICE Youth Expo

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. 

The Career ChoICE Event

Career ChoICE Youth Expo West 2023

Career ChoICE Youth Expo East 2023

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.

There Are Local Career and Workforce Development Options

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.

Inspiring and Connecting with Future Talent

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.

IALR Seeking Businesses, Volunteers to Partner in Career Expo

IALR Seeking Businesses, Volunteers to Partner in Career Expo

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.

Young Professional Profile
Hands-On Activities
  • IALR is looking for businesses and organizations that can attend and facilitate a hands-on activity. The activities provided by business and organizational participants are what make the Expo! Businesses benefit from introducing students to their company, giving them a snapshot of what it’s like to work in different fields. 
  • Activity forms must be received no later than Aug. 28 to be included on the students’ activity maps.
  • Any organization that is interested in facilitating an activity but needs help developing an idea should contact jessie.vernon@ialr.org. 
Volunteer
  • IALR needs volunteers to assist with welcoming students, passing out backpacks, helping groups through the Expo and ensuring things run smoothly.
  • Volunteer registration deadlines: Sept. 6 for the Farmville event and Sept. 13 for the Chatham event.
Sponsor
  • Sponsorships will support both Career ChoICE and AspHIRE mock interview days. As such, sponsorship levels include benefits through both programs – increasing the organization’s visibility through both the number of student participants and the number of events.
  • Sponsorship commitments, logos, and ads must be received by Aug. 18 to ensure that they appear in the printed Career ChoICE booklet. 
Career Expo Engages Regional Students

Career Expo Engages Regional Students

The finance panel moderator, panelists, and Career ChoICE staff are all smiles as they prepare to engage with students during one of the last panels of the two-day career development series.

The 2021 Career ChoICE Youth Expo was held on September 29-30. Around 70 volunteers and over 60 businesses and organizations made this year’s virtual panel discussions possible.

The career cluster panels featured professionals working in each of the 17 career clusters as well as regional education and training providers. A moderator facilitated the discussions and students submitted questions during the live panel. Panelists shared details about their organizations, their education, what they love about their work and more. Each panel discussion closed with career advice from the panelists. The Career ChoICE panels had roughly 3,074 live views. The panel recordings have had over 550 views.

Additionally, just over 7,400 Career ChoICE booklets were delivered to the 41 participating schools. The booklet contains information on career assessments, general career pathways, essential skills, benefits, cost of living, employment in the region, and further details on each of the 17 career clusters.

The goal of the Career Choice Youth Expo is to showcase existing job opportunities so that students will become aware of jobs available in the region. The expo also connects students to employers to build a talent pipeline in strategic sectors that are aligned with regional economic development interests.

“Career ChoICE provides students a unique opportunity to engage with a myriad of regional industries,” said IALR’s Jessie Vernon. “We’ve been thrilled to pivot the event online; however, we hope to resume in person in 2022.”