The Danville-based GO TEC program aims to increase interest in manufacturing careers among students, especially middle school students, and is working with the state to build seven new laboratories in Southwest and Southside Virginia. is receiving funding.
The Virginia Economic Development Commission will add five new Career Connection Labs to United Way of Southwest Virginia, one in each of Bland, Smith, Tazewell, Wythe and Washington counties. approved funding of $491,196 for the
The board separately approved $489,381 to add two new Career Connections labs focused on advanced manufacturing and IT modules in Henry and Brunswick counties. The project will also add equipment used for modules currently taught in the 16 middle schools with existing career exploration labs, as well as link existing middle school GO TEC programming with current middle school GO TEC programming. There will also be an additional pilot program for 9th and 10th grade students in Henry County to bridge the gap. Career and Technical Education, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The GO TEC program, which stands for Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers, began at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville and now extends south of the state from Hampton Roads to southwestern Virginia. Masu.
Governor Glenn Youngkin also announced that the Virginia Board of Regents will fund other projects across the state aimed at developing a stronger talent pipeline, which has been a major focus of economic development over the past several years. announced that it had been approved.
The Governor’s Office describes other projects approved for funding:
Progress Park Lot 10 | $425,876
Region 1: Bland and Wythe Counties
The Wythe County Joint Industrial Development Authority will ramp up site preparation for Lot 10 in the Progress Park Industrial Park. The project is expected to generate long-term benefits for industries such as advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Engineer training for Region 2 employees | $367,000
Region 2: Amherst and Nelson Counties, City of Lynchburg
Randolph College works with local universities, school systems, and employers to expand the qualified workforce in its interdisciplinary engineering programs in mechatronics and robotics. The program includes dual enrollment opportunities for area high school students in partnership with Central Virginia Community College, and a paid internship is required for students once in the program at Randolph.
Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board TPI | $250,000
Region 8: Augusta, Bath, Clark, Highland, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren counties, Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Waynesboro, and Winchester counties.
The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board determines gaps and opportunities to expand the workforce in the manufacturing and transportation and logistics industry clusters. In partnership with WorkED, the Board will create a comprehensive talent pathway plan that will serve as a roadmap for future workforce development projects.
Developing an IT and Cybersecurity Certification Pipeline to Accelerate Cluster Growth | $202,872
Region 2: Montgomery and Pulaski Counties, City of Radford
Radford University, in partnership with the Commonwealth Cybersecurity Initiative Southwest Virginia, established the Pearson Virtual University Enterprise Testing Lab to advance the information technology field by promoting the need for certification to undergraduate students and area employers. We aim to increase the number of certifications earned. The project also connects certified students with local businesses through internships and career fairs.
Administrative approval: Planning grant
MRRP Site Selection Identification and Evaluation, 2024 | $100,000
Region 1: Bland County, Carroll County, Grayson County, Smith County, Wythe County, City of Galax.
The Mount Rogers Regional Partnership, in collaboration with participating municipalities, will hire a team of consultants to collect site dates, conduct GIS analysis, and conduct field surveys to identify at least 20 to 30 sites. , aims to increase Region 1’s shovel-ready field inventory. Land between 50 and 100 acres may be suitable for future development. These sites will then be further investigated to determine the ten best sites for future development.
Wildwood Commerce Park Site 1 Due Diligence | $100,000
Region 1: Carroll and Grayson Counties, City of Galax
The Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority plans to complete an initial due diligence report and evaluation of the Wildwood Commerce Park site in order to increase the number of shovel-ready sites in the region. The site has a total area of 105 acres, of which 50 acres are developable and is expected to be eligible for future economic activity.
GMP Clean | $100,000
Region 2: Montgomery County, City of Roanoke
Montgomery County and the City of Roanoke will partner to identify and implement a pilot cleanroom space that will be used to test and promote a state-of-the-art modular cleanroom model. This project will foster the growth of the life sciences and biotechnology industry cluster within Region 2.
Western Tidewater Mechatronics Program Workforce Development Plan | $100,000
Region 5: Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties, City of Franklin and City of Suffolk
Paul D. Camp Community College will explore mechatronics training needs and opportunities through a planning stage project for employer engagement and the development of additional mechatronics career and technical education programs. This planning stage involves working with employers on skills needs and gaps and strategies to meet those needs.
Career Research: Path to Your Future | $100,000
Region 7: Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
Alexandria City Public Schools will work with middle school students to develop a nine-week prep and exploration curriculum that will explore the computer science, life sciences, emerging technology, financial services, and health sciences industries. The curriculum includes real-world examples, hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and modules that help students develop personal academic and career plans.
Future Kings Life Sciences Talent Development Pilot Program | $100,000
Region 7: City of Manassas, Loudoun County and Prince William County
Future Kings will expand the pool of interested students in the K-12 system and create a pipeline of secondary students, creating new opportunities in life sciences for underserved Black and Latino populations. We aim to accelerate entry-level job preparation for biomedical job opportunities. The project will also provide two internship opportunities for graduate students and college credit opportunities for secondary students.
WiseLink Coalfield Transformation Project | $99,481
Region 1: Dickenson County, Lee County, Scott County, Wise County, City of Norton.
Wise County aims to increase inventory of shovel-ready sites in Region 1 by hiring a consultant to develop a preliminary transmission planning strategy report that will determine the scope of resources needed to strengthen the region’s power grid I am. The project is intended to provide large-scale capacity increases and increase the marketability of land in the region for data centers and other power-hungry businesses.
Greater Richmond Cluster Analysis | $87,500
Region 4: Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Henrico County, City of Richmond
The Greater Richmond Partnership analyzes the Richmond subregion and makes recommendations on strategies to grow clusters specific to the region. The research and strategies generated by this plan will also be utilized as PlanRVA begins developing a comprehensive economic development strategy for the region.
Science, Technology and Innovation District Planning Grant | $75,000
Region 7: Loudoun County and City of Manassas
The Economic Development Authority of Prince William County and the City of Manassas will bring together public and private stakeholders to develop the Innovation District, also known as the Research Park. The initiative aims to support existing and new high-growth technology companies, promote good-wage jobs, and attract investment to the region.
Winchester Airport Advanced Air Mobility Pipeline Study | $71,000
Region 8: Clark County, Frederick County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, City of Winchester
Winchester Regional Airport Authority conducts market analysis, develops talent pipeline strategy, and conducts available land analysis to define a path to launch and accelerate an emerging advanced air mobility industry cluster. Masu. Funding will support market feasibility studies and the development of an advanced air mobility workforce strategy.
Career Path Development Initiatives in the Lynchburg Area | $40,500
Region 2: Amherst County, Bedford County, Campbell County, Amherst County and Town of Appomattox, City of Lynchburg
The Lynchburg Area Business Alliance aims to improve qualified workers in the materials and machinery manufacturing industries through analysis to determine what skills are not being taught in the Lynchburg area that would benefit employers. We aim to increase the pool of The LRBA will host a roundtable of employers and school leaders to discuss workforce needs and educational content.
UAS BVLOS Keysight Initiative | $35,392
Region 5: Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach
This study will identify unmanned systems testing and training locations, allowing regional and industry partners to equip the locations and develop training curricula for their employees.
ASD Agriculture Campus Site Plan | $25,000
Region 1: Carroll County, Lee County, Tazewell County, Washington County, City of Bristol
Appalachian Sustainable Development will strengthen its ability to provide workforce training, agricultural expertise, and resources to small farmers who want to expand their access to markets, as well as access to capital to companies looking to expand. Masu. The project includes the development of a physical location that fosters innovation, collaboration, and curriculum for Region 1’s early-stage and small-scale agricultural businesses.
Amelia County Regional Commercial Center Planning Grant | $21,000
Region 3: Buckingham County, Charlotte County, Lunenburg County, Nottoway County, Prince Edward County
The Amelia County Economic Development Authority recently acquired the 134-acre property, which has no water, sewer or gas service. The project includes a site sector suitability study to determine which of the target industry clusters in Region 3 can be supported.
