Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Driving Economic Transformation
The Advanced Learning division at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research administers a variety of programs and offers numerous services centered around three primary focuses areas: connecting students to careers, expanding STEM capacity, and promoting service and lifelong learning.
(Several additional workforce programs from the Manufacturing Advancement division are highlighted below as well.)
A two-year, dual-enrollment program housed at IALR, the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) provides experiential learning activities focused on theory and design. Students earn college credits from Danville Community College in math, engineering and English courses. The program is supported by a partnership between IALR, Danville Community College, Pittsylvania County Schools and Danville Public Schools.
The REACH (Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health) AmeriCorps program is dedicated to expanding capacity for public health service by providing direct outreach and education services in the Dan River Region. Community health educators provide individualized support, addressing the region’s most pressing physical and mental health challenges.
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program mobilizes AmeriCorps members in a community-supported environment to build the region’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and literacy capacity.
In just four months, the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program prepares adult learners to support the construction and development of submarines through one of five trades: additive manufacturing, CNC machining, non-destructive testing, quality control inspection (metrology) and welding.
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo introduces thousands of middle and high school students to regional employers, exposing them to career possibilities and allowing local organizations to invest in their future workforce. Over its 10 years, this event serves students in more than a dozen school divisions annually in two locations – Chatham and Farmville.
IALR’s Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining trains high school and community college instructors for the growing field of precision machining and provides certification opportunities for instructors, veterans, incumbent workers and adult learners.
IALR partners with CodeVA to provide high-quality computer science professional development training to teachers within the region.
The Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership employs Community Health Workers and Community Paramedics to serve as a link between healthcare, social services and community members. The REACH Partnership creates a system of care that provides equitable access to all residents in the region through a partnership with The Health Collaborative of the Dan River Region.
IALR offers computer training workshops for a a variety of platforms across a range of proficiency levels. These classes provide foundational knowledge in programs like Microsoft Excel and Canva.
The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program delivers hands-on workforce training and talent development. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs, GO TEC engages students in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics, and advanced materials.
A third-year machining program machining program offered in partnership with Danville Community College (DCC), the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program puts students in a full-scale workflow cell, which replicates the floor of industry facilities and helps students to understand the whole flow process.
IALR hosts a cohort of interns every summer, providing students with a meaningful work experience that contributes to economic transformation. Summer positions are posted in the Spring.
IALR supports the successful development and implementation of internship opportunities for high school and postsecondary students. We support and help facilitate internships in businesses, non-profits, local governments and other regional employers. IALR leads the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (Virginia TOP) Innovative Internship effort serving Southern Virginia and connects area businesses to Virginia TOP resources.
Educators within the IALR service region are encouraged to borrow STEM equipment through the Loaner Lab Program. Equipment is leased at no charge.
IALR will serve as a satellite campus for Virginia’s first four-year major in manufacturing engineering technology (MfgET) launched by Old Dominion University. Students in Southern Virginia can enter the program from multiple paths, including community colleges; the Academy for Engineering and Technology resourced by IALR; career and technical dual-enrollment programs; and incumbent workers.
IALR offers mock interviews and professional development opportunities to students in grades 10-12. The AspHIRE mock interview day helps students develop their skills through a practice interview with a local professional and several employability skill sessions.
After a month of research and ideating, students present their solutions regarding the adoption of smog-eating billboards to Kegerreis Digital Marketing as part of the NOW teamship program in early April of 2023.
The Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship framework allows high school students to solve a real problem from a real business, all with guidance from an educator/coach. This provides real-world experience for students and helps businesses identify creative solutions for difficult problems.
IALR hosts the Piedmont Governor’s School for Math, Science and Technology, which provides a challenging, project-driven, research-based curriculum in a technology-infused environment. Students from surrounding school divisions earn dual-enrollment credits from Danville Community College.
IALR supports the creation and implementation of apprenticeship programs for employers across Southern Virginia through the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program. State Registered Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training and work experience with related technical instruction.
IALR offers a series of STEM camps every summer to provide students a memorable introduction to concepts in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Registration for these camps opens in the spring.
Graduating high school students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and located throughout the IALR service region can earn scholarships courtesy of the IALR Foundation.
Working to connect the classroom to the workplace, the Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE) program places Southern Virginia educators in business and industry settings to connect the classroom to the workplace.
A self-development program supported by IALR, the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning provides high-quality programming that ignites passions. People can join as members, supporters or presenters.
