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Jake Taylor Wins STEM Innovator of the Year Award

Jake Taylor Wins STEM Innovator of the Year Award

Jake Taylor, Technical and Training Manager for the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program, was named STEM Innovator of the Year by STARBASE Victory, Inc. The award ceremony was held on March 13.

This award recognizes Taylor’s dedication and innovation in STEM education across Virginia.

“I am honored to have been chosen for and accept this award from STARBASE Victory of Portsmouth Virginia. STARBASE has been an integral partner in the expansion of the GO TEC program into Portsmouth City Schools, and I am proud to have served an active role in enhancing educational opportunities focused on careers and skills within Advanced Manufacturing for their students.” – Jake Taylor, GO TEC Technical and Training Manager, IALR

Jake Taylor, GO TEC Technical and Training Manager (middle)

The GO TEC program engages middle school students through hands-on experiences with technology and equipment, introducing them to potential careers in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and STEM fields. Taylor has been involved with GO TEC for five years, providing technical expertise and training to educators.

He previously served as a STEM Academy Instructor for Pittsylvania County Schools and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2014-2015.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Bridgewater College. Taylor holds endorsements in Physics and Mathematics and possesses a Commercial Driver’s License. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Claire Parker Foundation and the Southern Piedmont Technology Council.

Taylor first brought the GO TEC Mobile Lab to Portsmouth in July 2022. The mobile lab introduced students to advanced equipment and STEM career opportunities. From enhancing Portsmouth Summer School Math remediation with robotics activities to hosting a weeklong Automation & Robotics camp culminating with a competition, the mobile lab provides a variety of educational opportunities to enrich classroom learning and give students meaningful hands-on experiences in many critical Industry sectors.

The GO TEC program now operates in all three middle schools within Portsmouth Public Schools, forming a critical component of their career pipeline initiative.

“Jake’s passion and expertise have significantly expanded the reach and impact of the GO TEC program. His dedication continues to inspire both educators and students across Virginia.” – Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director, IALR

About GO TEC

The GO TEC program creates a talent pipeline by introducing middle school students to careers in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and STEM-related fields. GO TEC curriculum engages students through specialized training modules targeting high-demand industry sectors, stimulating job growth across Virginia.

GO TEC Website

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. IALR serves as the fiscal agent and program lead for GO TEC, aligning with its mission to enhance STEM education and career opportunities.

The Power of Digital Marketing

The Power of Digital Marketing

Join SPTC to learn about the power of digital marketing and how it can benefit your organization! Lunch will be provided!

About our speaker: Larz Kegerreis, CEO of Kegerreis and Eric Murr, Vice President of Brand Development & partnerships for Kegerreis Digital Marketing. They have markets that span over 7 states, with over 2,600 billboard displays. Through their work, they combine research with fresh, innovative ideas to create effective outdoor designs for organizations through strategic conversations and placements.

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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.