The May 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- Featured Opportunity: ATDM Discovery Day
- Students Participate in GO TEC Robotics Competition
- Watch Updates from IALR
- Much More!
Wonder Community-SMART SERIES-Click.Connect.Collaborate. Part 2 Chat & Share Smart
Learn how to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively using Teams chat and file‑sharing tools. This session covers starting chats, using @mentions, sharing files, and working together in real time. You’ll leave knowing how to stay connected without feeling overwhelmed.
Part 2 of 3.
$15 per session for Chamber Members
$20 per session Non-Chamber Members
Partnership with the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
Presented by Brian Stanley, Program Coordinator II at Advanced Learning and Research.
Wonder Community-SMART SERIES-Click.Connect.Collaborate. Part 1 Find Your Way
Get comfortable finding your way around Microsoft Teams with confidence. Participants will learn how Teams and channels are organized, where conversations and files live, and how to move between tools with ease. By the end of the first session, you’ll know exactly where to click and how to get back on track.
Part 1 of 3.
$15 per session for Chamber Members
$20 per session Non-Chamber Members
Partnership with the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
Presented by Brian Stanley, Program Coordinator II at Advanced Learning and Research.
Wonder Community-SMART SERIES-Click.Connect.Collaborate. Part 3 Easy Meetings
Discover how to join, schedule, and run meetings smoothly in Microsoft Teams. Participants will practice using audio and video controls, screen sharing, and basic meeting features with confidence. This session helps take the stress out of virtual meetings so you can focus on the conversation, not the technology.
Part of 3.
$15 per session for Chamber Members
$20 per session Non-Chamber Members
Partnership with the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
Presented by Brian Stanley, Program Coordinator II at Advanced Learning and Research.
Wonder Community – Intro to Canva 5.21.26
Come learn how to use Canva, an online design tool, in an introductory class at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Canva can be used to design and create:
- Flyers
- Business Cards
- Presentations
- Social Media Graphics
- Logos
Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and layouts to design, share, and print flyers, business cards, presentations, cover photos, and more! This class is for beginners.
Wonder Member Cost: $45
Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $40
Non-Wonder Member Cost: $50
Non-Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $45
Student (K-12, College) $35
For payment options such as pay by check or cash at the workshop, please contact Brian Stanley at 434.766.6745.
Minimum enrollment: 6 | Maximum enrollment: 11
Instructor Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Coordinator II at IALR.
IALR April 2026 Newsletter
The April 2026 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- Register for Summer STEM Camps
- IALR Recognized as Top Employer for Interns
- Watch updates from IALR
- Much more!
Wonder Community – Intro to Canva 4.30.26
Come learn how to use Canva, an online design tool, in an introductory class at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Canva can be used to design and create:
- Flyers
- Business Cards
- Presentations
- Social Media Graphics
- Logos
Use Canva’s drag-and-drop feature and layouts to design, share, and print flyers, business cards, presentations, cover photos, and more! This class is for beginners.
Wonder Member Cost: $45
Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $40
Non-Wonder Member Cost: $50
Non-Wonder Member Seniors (60+), Veterans and Educators Cost: $45
Student (K-12, College) $35
For payment options such as pay by check or cash at the workshop, please contact Brian Stanley at 434.766.6745.
Minimum enrollment: 6 | Maximum enrollment: 11
Instructor Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Coordinator II at IALR.
The Power of Purpose: Reconnecting With What Drives You
Helping participants discover or reconnect with their “why” to drive motivation and achievement.
In a world filled with constant noise, competing priorities, and shifting expectations, many people lose sight of what truly fuels their passion and direction. “The Power of Purpose: Reconnecting With What Drives You” is an inspiring and interactive workshop designed to help participants pause, reflect, and realign with their deeper sense of meaning.
This workshop guides attendees through a thoughtful exploration of personal values, strengths, and life experiences, uncovering the core motivations that shape their goals and everyday choices. Participants will learn how purpose acts as a stabilizing force—giving clarity during uncertainty, increasing resilience in the face of challenges, and reigniting motivation when burnout or distraction takes hold.
Through reflection exercises, group dialogue, and practical tools, this session empowers individuals to:
- Identify personal values and what truly matters
- Clarify goals that align with inner purpose
- Understand how purpose enhances motivation, well-being, and performance
- Recognize internal and external barriers that disconnect us from our “why”
- Create a personal purpose statement and actionable steps for living it out
Whether you are entering a new season, preparing for a major transition, or simply want to start the year with intention, this workshop provides the insight, inspiration, and momentum needed to move forward with confidence and meaning.
Presented by Sherlina Thomas, Ph.D., MSW, Assistant Director for Student Support Services – Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
Minimum enrollment: 15 | Maximum enrollment: 30
This workshop is hybrid; the Zoom link will be emailed to all registered members.
Registration closes on January 8th at noon.
Wheatless Wonders: A Culinary Experience
Join us as Erika Saunders leads us into the world of gluten-free cooking with a pre-class Italian Charcuterie board with cubed cheese, Italian meats, grapes, olives, dried fruit, and gluten-free crackers. Followed by an Italian salad and pepperoni calzone with a dipping sauce and tiramisu for dessert.
Red wine available – limited to 2 per member.
Presented by Erika Saunders, IT Business and Data Analyst II at the City of Danville.
Registration and payment deadlines are due by 5 pm on November 10th.
Dinner Cost is $50. You will receive a link to pay for dinner after you register.
Limited to 16 members.
Day of the Dead: Celebration of Life after Death!
Join us to learn the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant Mexican holiday that honors life after death. Discover the colorful altars, symbolic offerings, and meaningful rituals that families create to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have passed. Learn about the history, cultural significance, and unique customs that make this holiday so special. Understand why Day of the Dead continues to be cherished in Mexican culture and how it transforms mourning into a joyful celebration of life, memory, and community.
Presented by Edith Overby, – STEM and Literacy Tutor at Schoolfield Elementary School.
Limited to 20 members.
Taste of St. Louis Cooking Class
Take a trip to St. Louis through our Taste of St. Louis cooking class, where we will learn how to create toasted ravioli, Gerber crostinis, a St. Louis-style pizza with a side salad, and finish with a gooey butter cake for dessert!
Featuring a cocktail of Cardinal Cooler Vodka, cranberry juice, Sprite, and bitters (2 drinks per person).
Presented by Chef John Clark, Megabytes Cafe, and Tim Holland, Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Additive Manufacturing Instructor at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
Registration and payment deadlines are due by noon on August 5th.
Dinner Cost is $50. You will receive a link to pay for dinner after you register.
Limited to 16 members.
IALR June 2025 Newsletter
Backyard BBQ Mastery: Smoked Meats & Classic Sides
Learn the secrets to perfect smoked brisket, pork butt, ribs, and BBQ chicken in this flavor-packed class. We’ll also whip up German and country potato salads, homemade baked beans, and explore regional BBQ sauces like Kansas City and Carolina styles. Great for BBQ lovers ready to level up their cookout game!
The cost for dinner is $35 and you must have an active Wonder membership.
Registration and payment deadlines are due June 6th.
Limited to 16 members.
Presented by Chef John Clark.
IALR May 2025 Newsletter
The May 2025 edition of IALR at a Glance is packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- Registration is now open for Summer STEM Camps!
- Fourth Annual ATDM & AM CoE Summit recap
- Watch updates from IALR
- Much more!
Wonder Community – Deep Listening and Radical Vulnerability, Laugh and Play
Deep Listening and Radical Vulnerability, Laugh and Play
The connection between listening and mental wellbeing is profound. New York psychiatrist and co-founder of Narativ, Dr Paul Browde, stresses that the act of deep listening counters the isolation many of us experience. “In a world filled with noise – both literal and metaphorical – many people are starved for the experience of being truly listened to,” he says. This lack of deep listening often leads to loneliness, depression and alienation.
Listening requires vulnerability – not just from the speaker but also from the listener. Brené Brown, social researcher, author and expert on vulnerability, argues that empathy is impossible without deep listening. Empathy, she explains, involves “feeling with people,” which requires setting aside our own thoughts to understand someone else’s emotions.
Brown emphasizes that empathy is not about offering advice or fixing problems but rather about acknowledging another person’s feelings. In her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, she says, “Rarely can a response make something better. What makes something better is connection.” This connection is nurtured through listening with empathy, allowing both the speaker and listener to feel more connected and understood.
Presented by Chad Martin
Registration deadline: 5/22/2025.
A minimum number of 12 participants is required, and a maximum number of participants is 30.
All Things Etiquette
Dining Etiquette- learning the essentials of table manners and proper utensil usage.
Presented by Yvette Bethel, Owner of All Forks Etiquette Consulting.
Yvette’s Why!
As a foster parent, I’ve had the privilege of caring for children from diverse backgrounds. I noticed a significant gap in their etiquette skills. Many of them had not been exposed to the social norms and manners that are essential to succeed in school settings and social gatherings. I also witnessed adults lacking some of the same skills during this realization. This sparked my passion to become an etiquette consultant. I aim to equip children and adults with the tools they need to build confidence and establish and improve positive relationships. I recognize that the benefits of etiquette extend far beyond childhood. Therefore, through my work as an etiquette consultant, I strive to create inclusive programs that address the needs of both children and adults. The emphasis is on communication, respect, honesty, and cultural awareness. Possession of these skills will create a more courteous and empathetic society, one interaction at a time.
Registration deadline: 4/16/2025.
A minimum number of four participants is required, and a maximum number of participants is 12.
The Power of Hands-On Learning
Effective learning blends theoretical instruction with real-world application. At the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), hands-on training is a core principle across diverse programs.
“Theory is important, and it has value. However, my years working in and with educators has taught me that most learners are visual kinesthetic learners, and the most impactful learning tends to be hands-on learning.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
This approach equips participants with practical skills and boosts their confidence in real job environments. Whether middle school students or seasoned adults, participants walk away with experiences they can immediately apply.
GO TEC: Sparking Early Curiosity
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program exposes middle school students to the emerging technologies shaping tomorrow’s industries. Students learn about and, more importantly, get to practice with virtual reality welding tools, desktop CNC mills, different types of robots and much more, offering a direct glimpse into in-demand careers.
“Middle school is the perfect time to spark a lasting interest in STEM. Getting to touch and try these business-relevant technologies shows that advanced concepts and careers are within reach.” – Julie Brown, Ph.D., Vice President of Advanced Learning
Dual-Enrollment Momentum
Dual-enrollment students in the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET)—a collaboration with Danville Community College and the local school divisions—learn concepts in the classroom and apply them immediately. This balance of theory and application strengthens their problem-solving abilities and prepares them for modern challenges.
“We’ve seen impressive results when students can test what they learn right away,” Dr. Brown says. “That combination pushes them to think critically and perform with confidence.”
IALR also houses students in the Piedmont Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. Every year, seniors in this program participate in a senior research project, some seeking support from IALR’s Applied Research division.
ATDM: Accelerated Skills for Adults
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) equips adult learners with the skills needed to work with Navy suppliers in the Maritime Industrial Base. In just four months, participants build foundational knowledge and participate in hundreds of hours of hands-on practice with actual machinery.
“ATDM bridges the gap between classroom insights and real-world shop floors. Graduates leave ready to excel in high-demand defense manufacturing roles.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement
IMT: Real Manufacturing Responsibilities
In the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program, developed with Danville Community College, students face the pressure of meeting manufacturing quotas and deadlines. This setup mirrors the intensity of a true manufacturing environment.
“It’s a simulated manufacturing flow cell,” Wells said. “We put these students in a position to practice how all the pieces they’ve learned come together.”
Intensive Workshops
IALR also hosts shorter programs on topics like Fanuc robotics, precision machining for instructors and industrial fermentation. These workshops blend conceptual lessons with live experimentation in a condensed timeframe.
“Our recent industrial fermentation workshop revealed how hands-on demos deepen understanding. When participants participate in the process, they gain a better understanding.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President of Applied Research, IALR
Lifelong Learning
The journey does not end with a certificate or first job. Through various computer training workshops and the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning, people can refresh their skills or discover new interests at any stage.
IALR’s commitment to lifelong learning and service learning opens pathways for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Why Hands-On Learning Matters
From virtual reality welding in GO TEC® to advanced precision machining in IMT, practical immersion helps learners of all ages gain a deeper understanding. Hands-on learning is particularly beneficial in the STEM fields, as shown by many different studies, including from Purdue University and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. With IALR’s goal of expanding STEM Capacity, this focus on hands-on, practical learning is what drives success.
“Practical experiences let learners see immediate results,” Tucker says. “When students engage directly, they become more prepared for today’s job market.”
Connect with IALR
Culinary 101
Join the Wonder Community and Megabytes at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) for an immersive culinary experience with Chef John Clark, where you’ll learn to craft the five fundamental mother sauces (Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Tomato, and Hollandaise) and perfect the essential knife cuts. Bring your knives to practice precision cutting techniques and discover how to sharpen and maintain your blades for professional-level results properly. Elevate your kitchen skills with hands-on guidance from our expert chef!
The cost for dinner is $30.
Registration and payment for dinner is due by 3.4.25
Limited to 16 members.
Presented by Chef John Clark
Wonder Community – Etching Workshop with New College Institute
Discover the art of glass etching with Wonder Community’s Brian Stanley! Bring a glass item (like a mug or cup), but make sure it’s not Pyrex, acrylic, or plastic!
Partnership with New College Insitute’s Learning is ForEver (LIFE) Program.
Members should use the NCI registration link here to register.
Registration deadline: 3/18/2025.
Wonder Community – Cricut Basics at the Ruby B. Archie Public Library Workshop
Join Brian at the Ruby B. Archie Public Library as he explains and demonstrates the popular at-home die-cutting crafting machine.
Members will need to register using the Ruby B. Archie Public Library link.
Limited to 14 spots.
*If you are not a member of the Wonder Community yet, please complete the New Member Registration Form.
Wonder Community – Physical Activity Workshop: Tai Chi
Join us for an engaging 90-minute workshop filled with practical tips, lively discussions, and a fun physical activity session to wrap things up!
Presented by REACH AmeriCorps
Registration closes on January 16th at 11 PM.
Limited to 20 spots.
IALR December 2024 Newsletter
The December 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- $1.35 Billion Project Announced
- Supporting the U.S. Navy
- ATDM Students Contribute to the Community
- Much more!
Cooking up Community: Successful Wonder Workshop
A diverse group of 15 recently gathered to make a delicious fall-themed meal while connecting with others in a supportive, fun environment.
The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning offered its fifth cooking class in partnership with Megabytes Café and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on Nov. 20. Chef John Clark led participants in preparing a full fall-themed meal: turkey, brussels sprouts with homemade bacon jam, stuffing and cream cheese pumpkin bars.
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The event, like previous cooking classes, was fully booked.
“It was amazing to see participants come together, not just to learn new cooking techniques, but to genuinely connect over the joy of creating a meal. Events like this truly embody the spirit of lifelong learning and community building.” – Brian Stanley, IALR Program Coordinator
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The Wonder Community, launched in 2022, offers dynamic, hands-on workshops that bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to learn new skills and share their passions. Past workshops have ranged from Cricut crafting to fishing expeditions, and the community welcomes anyone eager to keep learning.
Join the Wonder Community today to explore your passions and connect with others who love learning. Whether it’s casting a fishing line, crafting in the kitchen, or designing intricate projects, there’s something for everyone. The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning is part of IALR’s Advanced Learning division and reflects a commitment to service and lifelong learning opportunities.
Wonder Community – Screen to Tree: 3D Printed Ornaments Part 2
In part two of the 3D printing class, members will receive their 3D -printed Christmas ornaments and see their Tinkercad designs brought to life. We will watch the 3D printers in action as they print miniature benches, gaining hands-on insights into the printer process and troubleshooting tips.
Hosted by Tim Holland, ATDM Precision Manufacturing Lab Technician; Jacob Taylor, GO TEC Technical & Training Manager and Chris Griffith, GOTEC Training Coordinator (Region 3).
Limited to 16
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