fbpx

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

Categories

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

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.

View the Full Report 

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 Seeking Businesses to Partner in Work-based Learning Programs 

IALR Seeking Businesses to Partner in Work-based Learning Programs 

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. 

Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (Excite)

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.  

Host a Teacher

Two women talk with a man in a manufacturing plant.

IGNITE – Internships (already completed) 

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.

HOST AN INTERN

AspHIRE – Meet Your Future Workforce (ALREADY COMPLETED)

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:  

  • South Boston, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center: March 29 & 30 
  • Danville, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: April 7 & 26 
  • Farmville, Longwood University: April 25 

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.  

 

 

IALR Interns Start Work-Based Learning Experiences

IALR Interns Start Work-Based Learning Experiences

IALR’s summer 2022 interns gain valuable work-based learning experience in a professional environment during the eight-week program.

Earlier this month, 15 interns joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to begin the 2022 summer internship program. While receiving meaningful on-the-job training, the interns develop real-world leadership skills and experience a professional work environment to prepare them for future careers. Students hail from across Southern Virginia.

The interns were assigned to work on projects unique to their mentors’ respective departments.

Megan Pollok and Seraiye Johnson are assisting the Applied Research division with AgTech research. Pollok is examining the use of beneficial bacterial endophytes in the treatment of Fusarium Head Blight, a fungal disease commonly occurring in small-grain crops. She is experimenting with eight varieties of winter wheat and hopes to continue this research in her undergraduate studies. Johnson is experimenting with agricultural technology to see its effects on plant nutrient uptake and growth.

Intern Parker Burke works with the Research team to harvest microgreens in the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center.

Parker Burke and Benjamin Boles are working with the Research team to help further develop new components of IALR’s SMART Table robotic plant imaging system. Burke and Boles also use python coding and data analytics for 3D printing.

Graydon Smith and Elizabeth Burrell are conducting biotechnological research. The interns experiment with hydroponically grown plants, testing the effects of beneficial bacteria in controlling and fighting plant diseases.

Grayson Haskins, Rachel Martin and Kaden Knight are interning within the Advanced Learning department. Haskins and Martin help to promote and establish a variety of efforts and programs, engage with students in summer STEM camps, and are developing a scavenger hunt/ escape room experience for the GO TEC mobile lab. Knight works as the Data Analytics Intern, assisting with data analysis for the GO TEC and Work Ready Community initiatives.

Rachel Davis assists the Public Relations and Communications department with building positive public awareness and brand identity through the website, social media, newsletter and other communications strategies.

Jackson Boles is interning in the Institute Conference Center, where he identifies methods to extend the database for Megabytes café. Additionally, Boles supports his department by assisting in event set-up, guest engagement and marketing techniques.

Clark Givens assists the Facilities Maintenance team by updating inventory, prioritizing safety throughout IALR’s growing campus, and performing various tasks such as light repair, motor replacement and landscaping.

Interning with the Economic Development department, Vanessa Argueta and Emily Ebalo work with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. Both interns are researching different aspects of the region to then promote the benefits through social media and other public relations platforms.

Glenda Argueta works in the Information Technology department, assisting with software installation and updates, responding to user requests, and aiding in system and equipment set-up for IALR’s events.

Each intern is making significant contributions and will present their summer work to IALR staff when their experience ends in August.

Interns Jackson Boles, Emily Ebalo and Vanessa Argueta meet to discuss the growing role of IALR’s Institute Conference Center in supporting Southern Virginia’s economic development activities.