The June 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- Jason Wells Join IALR as EVP, Manufacturing Advancement
- Linda Green Wins Chamber Award
- STEM Camps are filling up fast
- Much more!
Linda Hutson Green Wins Inaugural WE Lead Award
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) proudly announces that Linda Hutson Green, IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance, has been awarded the inaugural WE Lead Award from the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet hosted at the IALR Conference Center.
The Chamber’s WE Lead program, which stands for Women Empowered, provides access to dynamic programs designed to develop leadership skills and build professional networks for women in business. This prestigious honor celebrates a transformative leader who has shown extraordinary dedication and service to Danville and Pittsylvania County.
“I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural WE Lead Award. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the IALR team and our many partners. I appreciate the chance to work with the localities and want to recognize the accomplishments of Matt Rowe, Corrie Bobe, the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and the entire Southern Virginia Region. Together, we have made tremendous strides in driving economic transformation, and I am excited about the future and potential for our region.” – Linda Hutson Green, SVRA Exeucitive
Green’s collaborative efforts with local economic development teams have led to the recruitment of 28 new companies to Southern Virginia and the expansion of 34 existing companies. These efforts have created more than 5,400 jobs and spurred just over $1.7 billion in capital investment across the region. Green currently serves as the 2024 President of the Virginia Economic Developers Association.
“The inaugural WE Lead (Women Empowered) Award was given to a female leader who is transforming our growing region. Green’s body of work and dedication to Danville and Pittsylvania County is unmatched and make her the perfect choice for this award.” – Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Green is an integral part of Southern Virginia, bringing a wealth of experience that spans federal, state, and local levels, both in the public and private sectors. Since October 2016, Green has served as IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development as well as the Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance. In these roles, she leverages the resources of IALR to assist local economic developers in marketing the Southern Virginia region, providing recruitment and retention of industries to create and sustain jobs and ensure the economic vitality of the region. Appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board by Governor Youngkin in 2023, Green also serves on the Averett University Board of Trustees. In July 2023, she received the Women in Leadership Award from Virginia Business Magazine.
Green’s distinguished career includes roles as District Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Hurt, Director for Federal Funding and Entrepreneurship for the Center for Innovative Technology, President and CEO of the Dan River Business Development Center, and Quality Engineer for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. A Certified Quality Engineer, Linda holds a master’s in business administration from Duke University and is a graduate of Averett University and Danville Community College.
A Win-Win: Students Tackling Real-World Business Problems
Alan Pearce, the CEO of Danville-based metal additive manufacturing company FasTech, wanted fresh perspectives on improving the company’s standing as a great place to work.
Who did he turn to for those insights?
A bunch of high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET).
Through the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program, three teams of high school juniors collaborated with coaches and Pearce to get to the root of the issue and identify possible solutions. As part of the 2024 cohort of the NOW teamship program, 17 students worked with two organizations—FasTech and the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP).
Pearce was amazed by the professionalism, data and knowledge these students shared. His company is trying to recruit two of them to work as interns over the summer, allowing them to execute some of their ideas.
Alan Pearce, CEO of FasTech LLC, listens to a presentation from high school juniors from the Academy for Engineering and Technology as part of the Next generation Of Work (NOW) teamship program.
“When they made their presentation, my biggest regret was that I didn’t bring my management team with me. It was a great professional presentation with some strong data.” – Alan Pearce, CEO, FasTech LLC
This is the fourth year AET students have participated in the teamship model, which is spreading across other Southern Virginia localities. IALR also supported a teamship program for college students in the Hampton Roads region.
“This is an excellent thing to connect schools and business, for both sides,” Pearce said. “The businesses get to start younger, and maybe we can help steer these students.”
Solving Real Business Problems
The teamship model is straightforward: a business presents an open-ended problem to a group of students who, with guidance from a coach, work together to provide solutions.
Past problems have focused on issues such as new product adoption, staffing difficulties and environmental regulations.
“The NOW teamship program provides our AET students with a memorable, impactful work-based learning experience. They learn critical thinking and collaboration skills while providing valuable insights to a business.” – Dana Silicki, IALR, Advanced Learning Program Manager
The primary objective of the teamship experience is to provide the student participants with two essential skills: effective collaboration and problem-solving. Through interview sessions with the businesses, research and data analysis, students figure out the problem and its full context—a critical step in offering potential solutions.
District C, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, developed this framework and is spreading the model throughout the United States.
The model, which was designed to provide value to businesses and benefit the student participants, is part of IALR’s work-based learning system that connects students to careers. With just a five-hour time commitment, companies can gain fresh perspectives on complex problems at no cost, all while helping develop future talent. Students learn to utilize four critical career mindsets—analytical, design, collective and self-aware—not just to solve the problem but to understand it in full.
Gavin Shields (middle), a junior in the AET program who participated in the teamship program, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.
The framework can be customized. For instance, the AET students typically complete the experience in about a month while other organizations may facilitate a more intensive process in just a week.
Connecting Students to Internships
The other organization that offered a problem for AET students to solve was the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, which aims to improve the internship readiness of Virginia students, institutions and employers. (IALR leads the V-TOP innovative internship effort in GO Virginia Region 3, serving 15 localities across Southern Virginia.)
The main question these students tackled was: How can V-TOP increase student engagement and awareness? V-TOP needs secondary and postsecondary students to place in internships.
Two student teams took two approaches. One focused on improving digital marketing, while the other looked at grassroots efforts. Their recommendations were simple and actionable.
- Revamp digital marketing strategy to target students directly with engaging content and highlight the benefits of internships.
- Implement a strong in-person marketing presence at colleges and universities and have the recruited students source the employers.
- Streamline the internship placement process for both students and businesses.
“I was very impressed with the level of detail they went into, trying to make sure they knew exactly what the problem was and understanding what we are already doing. I thought their insights were very, very valuable.” – Kiana Dillard, IALR Work-Based Learning Coordinator, V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator
Kiana Dillard (right), Work-Based Learning Coordinator and V-TOP Region 3 Program Coordinator, discusses the next steps offered by a group of high school juniors through the NOW teamship program.
Gavin Shields, a junior in the AET program who focused on the digital marketing side, learned the importance of collaborating with people who have different ideas.
“We got to solve a real-world business problem, and it felt cool because we were doing something that meant something in school. And we found the root of the problem like we were supposed to. We contributed a lot of new knowledge and ideas.” – Gavin Shields, AET Junior
Dillard will soon join three other IALR staffers – Advanced Learning Program Managers Jessie Vernon and Dana Silicki and John Hatchett, AET Coordinator who is employed by Danville Community College – as a certified coach with District C.,
“I’m seeing this model from all ends,” Dillard said. “It’s just great, and I look forward to coaching students through this process in the future.”
Taking the Experience to College
IALR and AET were the first Virginia-adopters and piloted the District C teamship program with students from AET, which has led to the model spreading across Southern Virginia. Chatham High School Teacher Tara Stafford has run cohorts in the past two years, focusing on problems from the Danville Otterbots and The Bee and Holbrook Hotels.
Teachers from Halifax and Brunswick have been certified, with Lunenburg planning to implement teamship soon.
On the eastern side of the state, Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Project Manager for Region 5 covering the Hampton Roads area, worked directly with District C to get certified as a teamship coach. Simmons and the Teamship Committee decided to implement a week-long intensive experience for college students with both a virtual and in-person option.
“VTOP regional leadership wanted to provide a unique, internship opportunity to students in the region. We hope that sharing our experience with implementing this program will encourage school districts, institutions, and employers to adopt Teamship in their respective spaces.” – Michelle Simmons, V-TOP Region 5 Project Manager
Simmons wanted someone experienced in facilitating teamship programs to provide support, which led her to IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager Jessie Vernon, who led the virtual option for seven students.
“I was so excited when Michelle said they were implementing the teamship model this summer! One of the beautiful things about teamship is its versatility. We utilize the model as a part of the AET junior seminar class over a one-month period. The Hampton Roads program was a one-week intensive, completely outside a class. We haven’t run a virtual teamship program since 2020; the Hampton Roads program had both an in-person and virtual option. As secondary and postsecondary schools try to connect more students with high quality work-based learning experiences, teamship is a great option.” – Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, IALR
A rising junior at Norfolk State University with a major in Business Marketing and a minor in Mass Communications, McKensi Rice was one of the virtual participants in the teamship opportunity.
“When I saw that we would be working with a real company, this is the experience I need for my future career. And it fit well with my schedule.” – McKensi Rice, Norfolk State University
Rice and the other students worked with the 757 Collab, an innovation network serving the greater Hampton Roads area, on discovering key metrics to measure success and ways to incentivize innovation and improve the company’s culture.
“This experience was eye-opening and very positive,” Rice said. “It was only five days, but I learned a lot about myself and how to work with others.”
IALR is looking for businesses as well as educators that would be interested in participating in the NOW teamship program. Those who are interested should contact Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager at IALR.
Inside IALR Podcast: The Academy for Engineering and Technology
The Academy for Engineering and Technology (AET) is a two-year, dual-enrollment program housed at IALR. It 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.
This episode of Inside IALR features AET’s Coordinator and Engineering Instructor, John Hatchett, 2016 graduating AET class and current PhD student, Shelita Hall, and 2024 AET graduate Caleb Pearson.
- John discusses the goals of the program and highlights how the curriculum provides transferrable skills – like problem-solving and collaboration – that students will need in any career.
- Shelita talks about what she is currently doing and how the AET program helped prepare her for higher education and her career with NASA.
- Caleb reflects on what the past two years have been and how it has shaped and ultimately connected everything in his life.
Jason Wells Joins IALR as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce that Jason Wells will join the leadership team as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, effective June 3. Wells most recently served as President of Kyocera SGS Tech Hub, a manufacturing and research hub within the cutting tool division of Kyocera Corporation, and brings nearly 30 years of experience in high-performance manufacturing. He will provide executive-level strategic management and oversight of IALR’s growing Manufacturing Advancement division and will report directly to IALR President Telly D. Tucker.
“As the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research continues to expand into a leading hub for high-value, high-tech companies and growing, targeted industries like advanced manufacturing, placing globally minded and accomplished leadership at the helm is critical. I am excited to welcome Jason Wells to IALR and have full confidence that his comprehensive industry expertise and proven commitment to the community will position us well to serve the manufacturing optimization, technology and workforce training needs of advanced manufacturers.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
One of Wells’ key will be to oversee the operation and strategic direction of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA), which offers manufacturing optimization expertise in CNC machining, metrology services and Industry 4.0; all of which help manufacturers introduce new and emerging technology into their operations. The CMA is also home to the United States Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
Wells will also have responsibility for the oversight of additional training programs including the collaborative and innovative Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, a federal initiative of the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense to meet the critical workforce needs for skilled trades like welding, CNC machining, quality control inspection (metrology), non-destructive testing and additive manufacturing. The program, housed and led by IALR, will achieve full capacity in 2025, graduating 800 to 1,000 work-ready individuals annually.
Prior to his leadership role at Kyocera SGS Tech Hub, Wells amassed significant management and advanced manufacturing experience in an array of roles with leading companies. Some of his more recent posts include Director of U.S. Tech Center Operations at YG-1 America Inc., a global manufacturer of high-quality cutting tools, and Global Product Manager and Director of Product Development and Marketing for SGS Tool Company. Wells acted as primary inventor on six product patents recognized in several countries, and he established two U.S.-based divisions and manufacturing units for two different internationally headquartered manufacturing companies. Wells has authored a number of articles in leading trade periodicals and was selected as one of the 100 people to meet in Virginia in 2020 by Virginia Business magazine. He has also been a featured speaker and panel member at multiple lectures at industry-based events and symposiums.
“As a business leader with a unique connection to Southern Virginia and IALR, I am deeply honored to assume the role of Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, and I sincerely thank all of my outstanding mentors, colleagues and partners for their support throughout my career. My journey of the past eight years, engaging with the community, the schools and IALR has filled me with profound appreciation for the task ahead. I am motivated and inspired by the vision and mission set forth, to nurture the next generation of industrial talent, implement the evolution of technology, fuel the renaissance of the region, and support our nation’s defenses. I embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly, committed to contributing to a brighter future for all.” – Jason Wells, IALR Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement
A degreed Journeyman Tool Maker and Tool Application Engineer, Wells holds various industry-recognized certifications. He has also served on a variety of local, state and international boards and councils, including the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) advisory board, the industry technology advisory council for Danville Community College as well as the boards of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through 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.
CEA Summit East 2024 Graduate Student Research Poster Competition Call For Entries
CEA Summit East 2024 is now accepting abstracts for the Graduate Student Research Poster Competition to be held as part of the October 1-2, 2024, edition at the Institute For Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia.
CEA Summit East is focused on bringing together the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) industry and academia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading global gathering of the vertical farming | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of CEA.
“Returning for its second year as part of the CEA Summit East, the poster competition is designed to provide graduate students with an opportunity to showcase their high-quality CEA-related research. It also aims to facilitate networking between students and industry professionals,” says Kaylee South, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of CEA at Virginia Tech. “The CEA Summit East Partners are excited to invite graduate students to submit their abstracts for consideration.”
Competition Eligibility and Guidelines:
- The competition is open to currently enrolled or recently graduated (Spring 2024 or later) graduate students, including M.S., Ph.D., and professional students.
- Entrants must present posters on original CEA-related research they have conducted.
- Abstract submissions must be received by August 16, 2024, for consideration.
- All posters will be judged and scored at the conference, with winners announced during the breakfast gathering/keynote session on day 2, October 2, 2024.
For more information on abstract submission and competition guidelines, please visit https://indoor.ag/cea-summit-poster/ or contact Dr. Kaylee South.
ABOUT CEA SUMMIT EAST
Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members. With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/ breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives.
ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – IALR CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.
Inside IALR Podcast: The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning
The Wonder Community is a lifelong learning program where members join to meet curious people and learn new things. A great network for people of all ages, Wonder provides all types of workshops and skill development opportunities. Brian Stanley, Advanced Learning Program Coordinator, discusses how Wonder got started, shares what makes the community so special and highlights some of the different workshops that have been offered. Jessica Hardy, IT Technician I, shares how she got involved as a member and the skills that she has gained.
If you are interested in joining the Wonder Community, please visit wondercommunity.org. Remember, 60% of your paid membership is donated to a nonprofit of your choice!
IALR May 2024 Newsletter
The May 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- IALR Supports EMS Apprenticeships
- Registration Opens for Summer STEM Camps
- ICC Hosts 1,000+ at God’s Pit Crew Banquet
- Much more!
Expanding Registered Apprenticeship in the EMS Sector
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has supported the creation of both Virginia’s first emergency medical technician (EMT) registered apprenticeship program and Virginia’s first registered paramedic apprenticeship program.
Virtually every industry is struggling to maintain a skilled workforce, and the emergency medical services (EMS) field is no exception.
With higher call volumes, increasing demand for services, and the persistent threat of burnout among EMS professionals, the need for innovative workforce strategies has become even more critical.
Two Southern Virginia EMS providers have recently created registered apprenticeship programs as a creative, win-win strategy to grow and maintain their workforces. These programs are appealing because they allow apprentices to earn fair wages during employer-sponsored on-the-job and classroom training.
Two cohorts totaling 18 employees are participating in the Danville Life Saving Crew’s EMT Registered Apprenticeship program – the first in the commonwealth of Virginia – which launched in October 2023 and takes a year to complete.
Franklin County Public Safety has five people enrolled in the first cohort of its Paramedic Registered Apprenticeship program, which launched in January 2024 and was created with several partners.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), which supports the creation of registered apprenticeship programs across Southern Virginia through its Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program, has helped both EMS organizations navigate the creation and implementation of a successful apprenticeship program. Staff are using this experience to work with and educate other localities and EMS providers across Southern Virginia.
“Construction and utilities sectors are commonly associated with apprenticeship. But there’s a wave of exciting opportunities in nontraditional sector apprenticeships, such as healthcare and emergency medical services, early childhood education and technology. Apprenticeship can absolutely be implemented in nontraditional sectors.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator, IALR
Apprenticeship in Southern Virginia
State Registered Apprenticeship provides on-the-job training, related technical instruction (RTI) and a paid job as one cohesive experience, making them the “pinnacle” work-based learning opportunity. Registered apprenticeship is a high-quality, industry-driven workforce training strategy that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction to develop highly skilled employees in a particular occupation.
Trainees receive pay increases as they acquire skills and training milestones, culminating in a nationally recognized journeyworker credential upon completion. This credential, along with practical experience, enables them to mentor future apprentices, ensuring a steady supply of skilled talent for businesses.
Apprenticeship programs mandate at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction, which can typically be completed within a year. However, some programs may require as much as 10,000 hours of on-the-job training, depending on the complexity of the occupation and the skills involved.
Employers can customize the related technical instruction according to their specific needs. They can choose the instruction provider or even deliver the instruction themselves, ensuring that the training aligns precisely with the skills and competencies required for the role.
From 2022 to the present, IALR’s ExTRA program has helped register 60 apprentices and 24 registered apprenticeship programs. Many more programs are in varying stages of development. Through ExTRA, as a state-approved and award-winning apprenticeship intermediary, IALR provides the following types of support to employers across the 15 localities in GO Virginia Region 3:
- Stakeholder education
- Technical assistance to develop and register apprenticeship programs and apprentices with Virginia Works, the State Apprenticeship Agency
- Grant funding to support employer-related technical instruction costs up to $2,700 annually per apprentice
- Connections to employers and talent
- Apprenticeship consortium network
Reducing Barriers
Historically, the Danville Life Saving Crew had few options for recruiting EMTs. They could hire people who already had their training from somewhere else, or people could pay for EMT courses on their own on a part-time or full-time basis.
The EMT Registered Apprenticeship program, an extension of a paid recruit academy framework that the Danville Life Saving Crew implemented earlier in 2023, allows them to hire and train those with no previous experience.
“With the apprenticeship program, we can select people who have the right mentality but don’t have the means to obtain the certification on their own. This allows us to bring that group together and create this class of people who wouldn’t be able to do this without the apprenticeship program.” – Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew
The apprentices spend most of the first 10 weeks completing their RTI with the Danville Area Training Center, preparing for their EMT-Basic exam. After passing their exam, the apprentices will be certified EMT-Basics and continue on-the-job training with increased duties alongside a mentor. After their one-year term, these apprentices will receive their journeyworker credential.
The paid on-the-job training and front-loaded RTI have simplified the process of finding quality candidates.
“The participants know up front that they’ll get paid to be here and complete the training. That’s a big recruitment tool for people jumping into the EMS field.” – Brian Alderson, Director of the Danville Area Training Center
Lily Hensley, one of the eight apprentices in the second cohort, which launched in early March, had spent her career to date working in customer service. She had tried part-time classes while working full-time, but that format did not work for her.
“This paid on-the-job training is a great way for me to absorb this information and get more hands-on instruction. I’m glad to be able to come in all day and focus on this, get a better experience and more ride time. All while getting a paycheck.” – Lily Hensley, EMT Apprentice with the Danville Life Saving Crew
The Danville Life Saving Crew will open a third station on the east side of the City of Danville later this year, requiring additional staff.
“This apprenticeship program is helping make it easier for the City of Danville to staff the extra ambulances.” – Johnny Mills, CEO of the Danville Life Saving Crew
Taking it to the Next Level
While the Danville Life Saving Crew uses an apprenticeship program to get more people in the door as EMTs, Franklin County Public Safety uses apprenticeship as an opportunity to upskill and recruit.
In the EMS world, EMT is the entry-level. Then there is Advanced EMT, and finally there is Paramedic.
And that has proven to be the most challenging position for Franklin County Public Safety to keep filled.
“We’re understaffed. We’re short at least one paramedic on every shift. In essence, that’s a truck down. Then if we have staff who are sick or taking vacation, we are scrambling to find people.” – Hamp Ingram, EMS Coordinator, Franklin County Public Safety
Franklin County Public Safety launched the Paramedic Apprenticeship program early in 2024 with the support of several partners.
- IALR: Provided support and education throughout the registration and program creation process, making connections to state partners and funding resources.
- The Franklin Center: Houses the classes.
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health System: Provides the related technical instruction (classroom curriculum).
- Carilion (Franklin Memorial): Offers a venue for clinicals and provides some equipment and supplies.
- Ferrum College: Plans to create a Fire/EMS bachelor’s degree to connect to this apprenticeship.
“A primary reason we started the program is the hope that we could recruit EMS providers to join our organization and become advanced-level providers while working with us. It’s going to help all the way around.” – Hamp Ingram, EMS Coordinator, Franklin County Public Safety
Most paramedic programs take about two years to complete; Franklin County Public Safety designed their course to take just fifteen months. Holding an EMT certification is a prerequisite to participating in the apprenticeship program, which includes paramedicine basics and advanced life support skills. These apprentices are largely completing their classroom, clinical and truck time simultaneously and will continue to add responsibility as they progress and gain more skills.
The first and current cohort has 10 participants. Five of these are registered as apprentices and work for Franklin County Public Safety; the others are participating in the instruction to become certified paramedics and work other places.
Andy Pendelton is a fire marshal with Franklin County Public Safety. With experience in law enforcement and EMS, Pendleton has held his EMT for about fifteen years in total. He was thrilled to hear about the paramedic apprenticeship program that would allow him to continue earning as he went.
“I want to be able to go to the next level and provide more care, and I wouldn’t have been able to get my paramedic without this program.” – Andy Pendleton, Fire Marshal and Paramedic Apprentice, Franklin County
Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors
Traditionally, apprenticeship programs have been synonymous with the construction and trades industries, where hands-on experience and specialized skills are critical. The combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction is perfect for traditional fields such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and welding.
While IALR has supported organizations in those sectors, the ExTRA program is helping Southern Virginia employers navigate the creation of programs in non-traditional sectors like EMS. Other apprenticeship programs in the works include digital marketing, UX design and early childhood education. Based on the success of the Franklin County and Danville Life Saving Crew programs, other EMS agencies are exploring apprenticeship options with Natori Neal.
“We helped Danville Life Saving Crew and Franklin County Public Safety through the entire registration process, and we are ready to help other employers, no matter what sector they’re in, create effective apprenticeship programs.” – Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator at IALR
Ninth IMT Cohort Graduates
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Danville Community College (DCC) are proud to announce the graduation of the ninth cohort of the Integrated Machining Technology (IMT) program. A collaborative effort between DCC and IALR, this program is available to students who have completed a two-year precision machining program or who have equivalent work experience and want to further their skills and leadership potential.
These nine students completed the seven-month program at the end of March.
“The DCC Career & Technical Education division congratulates the 2024 IMT program graduates, We are proud of their hard work and are excited for their journey into the field of Integrated Machining. These students have exhibited the necessary skills and preparedness to illustrate they have what it takes to excel in the industry. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the IALR for their contributions to the program. Our continued partnership allows DCC and the IALR to create unique educational opportunities, like IMT, in our community and region.” – Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education at Danville Community College
“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our ninth cohort of IMT graduates. These students have worked hard to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the manufacturing industry, and we are confident that they will make valuable contributions to the workforce. I am grateful for the unique partnership between IALR and DCC that has allowed us to collectively drive economic growth and create opportunity.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
The IMT program provides students with comprehensive instruction in machining technology, preparing them for careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive and medical equipment manufacturing. Through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, students gain practical skills in blueprint reading, CNC programming, precision measurement and more.
The classes are set in a flow cell environment with hands-on training that matches industry’s needs, providing students with a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in a real-world setting. The program emphasizes soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and prepared to excel in today’s competitive workforce.
As the ninth cohort completes their training, they join the ranks of previous graduates who have gone on to secure rewarding careers in machining and manufacturing. Many graduates have found employment at leading companies like EXAMPLES in the region, contributing to the growth and success of the local economy.
Two of the graduates in this cohort have joined the team at IALR. Austyn Roten joined the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program as a Precision Manufacturing Technician while Holly Lyle now works as a Metrology Technician for ATDM.
“I learned a lot going through IMT. The instructor pushed us to learn more about what we weren’t confident in and encouraged us in what we excelled at. I originally wasn’t planning on doing IMT after I graduated from DCC, but I am very glad I did.” – Holly Lyle, ATDM Metrology Technician, IMT Graduate
About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through 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. Learn more.
About DCC
Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC’s service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the College’s programs of study, visit www.danville.edu.
Robotic Simulation Software Training Hosted at CMA
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted a three-day robotic simulation class on April 16-18, providing regional community college and high school instructors with needed training for FANUC ROBOGUIDE simulation software. This was the first external training opportunity provided in the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA).
A total of 15 instructors participated in the three-day course, which was taught by Butch Kendrick, IALR’s Director of Digital Manufacturing, at the CMA and sponsored by Amtek Company – the FANUC educational representative for Virginia and several other southern states.
“This workshop helped these instructors understand the possibilities and capabilities of this software and how to better integrate that knowledge into their courses. We are happy to utilize the CMA as a hub for technical training and information for industry and educators alike.” – Butch Kendrick, Director of Digital Manufacturing, IALR
Participants came from a variety of educational institutions, including Patrick & Henry Community College, New River Community College, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, the Pittsylvania County Career and Technical Center and a technical college in West Virginia. The hands-on, three-day workshop allowed participants to learn the operations and functionality of the FANUC ROBOGUIDE software. Fanuc is a leading supplier of robotics and automation solutions for industry.
This workshop was designed specifically for teachers working to obtain their FANUC Certified Robot Operator I certification.
“We wanted to hold a local class for our teachers in Virginia and West Virginia to highlight how to use the ROBOGUIDE software, prepping them for the certification exam and helping them better teach this program in their classrooms.” – Gary Daniels, Sales Consultant Amtek Company
Percy Pass, Instructor of the Automation and Robotics Course at the Pittsylvania County Career and Technical Center, has 10 of these robots in his classroom, and this training will help him and his students have a better experience working with them.
“This will allow the students to become familiar with the controls and overall operations of the robot, both the physical version and the simulator.” – Percy Pass, Instructor, Pittsylvania County Career and Technical Center
While no future workshops are currently on the schedule, staff in the CMA plan to offer additional training opportunities and operational workshops on the operation of different robots.
Housed on the campus of IALR, the CMA serves as the destination of choice for innovative manufacturers ready to optimize their operations and scale. The CMA features an Industry 4.0 Integration Lab focused on automation and robotics, a CNC Machining Innovation Lab that helps businesses to evaluate processes and incorporate efficiencies, and a Metrology Lab with integrated inspection capabilities required to validate product quality. The CMA is also home to the Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
ICC Hosts 1,000+ Guests at God’s Pit Crew Benefit Banquet
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center recently welcomed over 1,000 guests for God’s Pit Crew’s annual benefit banquet. Spanning three nights, the event highlighted the impactful work of the organization and showcased the IALR Conference Center as Southern Virginia’s premier event venue.
God’s Pit Crew, a Danville-based nonprofit dedicated to providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and crises, chose the IALR Conference Center for its spacious and versatile facilities. This is the 13th year God’s Pit Crew has chosen the IALR Conference Center for its annual benefit banquet.
“It’s always a joy and a pleasure to work with the IALR Conference Center. There’s no other place where we would want to be to do our event. Everyone here works with us so well. It’s such a wonderful facility. The food is amazing. It is just a magnificent facility, and we are so thankful to have this in our community.” – Randy Johnson, God’s Pit Crew Founder
The main banquet took place in the Great Hall, a spacious 8,400 square-foot event venue capable of accommodating large gatherings. God’s Pit Crew brought in many of their own decorations, making the space their own.
The Conference Center staff filled the room with 42 60-inch round tables that could seat eight each, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy their dinners and participate in the evening’s activities.
In addition to the Great Hall, God’s Pit Crew utilized the Atrium to welcome guests and sell merchandise. The Atrium provided a welcoming entrance for attendees and a convenient space for fundraising efforts, adding to the event’s overall success.
“Hosting events like the God’s Pit Crew banquet is truly an honor for us. With top-notch customer service, quality catering and flexible spaces, the IALR Conference Center is the ideal venue for memorable events of all types and sizes.” – Tracy Fink, Vice President, IALR Conference Center
Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a community fundraiser or a special celebration, the ICC offers the ideal setting to bring your vision to life. Dynamic spaces like the Great Hall, Atrium, business conference rooms and Auditorium combine with exceptional service and amenities to ensure that every event hosted at the ICC is a success.
Contact us today to request a quote and discover how we can make your next event unforgettable.
Inside IALR Podcast: A New Leader for Southern Virginia’s Premier Conference Center
We welcome Tracy Fink, IALR’s new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC), to the team. Tracy explains how her background and experience have prepared her for this role, what grabbed her attention about this opportunity to work with the ICC and outlines her overarching vision for Southern Virginia’s premier event venue. She also highlights the ICC’s different spaces and capabilities, along with its full-service amenities.
Allison Moore Participates in Lead Virginia, Joined by Southern Virginia Leaders
Allison Moore, the Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is one of 46 participants in the 2024 cohort of Lead Virginia, a prestigious leadership development program.
“I am honored to participate alongside some extraordinary leaders from around Virginia and look forward to deepening my connections and growing my network. Lead Virginia provides an exceptional platform to explore and reflect on the unique and diverse challenges, strengths and perspectives of each region. I appreciate this cohesive approach and deeply value IALR’s support of the experience.” – Allison Moore, Director of Public Relations and Communications, IALR
Lead Virginia, a nonprofit and non-partisan organization, operates on the principle of social capital. Each year, it brings together a select group of senior-level professionals who are committed to advancing the future of Virginia. Through immersive experiences in various regions of the state, participants engage directly with local and state leaders to explore responses to critical issues in the areas of economy, education and health.
The program cultivates a strong network of leaders who transcend professional boundaries to collaborate on solutions for the betterment of Virginia. Participants visit different regions of Virginia throughout the year, culminating in a session in the Richmond area and graduation in November. Each session immerses participants in a new region, with the opportunity to interact directly with local and state leaders to examine that area’s unique concerns and discuss potential solutions.
Moore is one of several distinguished leaders from across Southern Virginia who have been selected to participate in the Lead Virginia program. Others include:
- Anne Moore-Sparks, President & Chief Executive Officer, Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce
- Carolyn Howard, Senior Associate/Program Manager, Dewberry Engineers Inc.
- Spencer Koger, Executive Director, Martinsville Uptown Partnership
- Emma Lugar Sellers, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, Averett University
- Diana Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, River District Association
Each of these individuals embodies a shared commitment to advancing the region’s interests and fostering meaningful progress.
CEA Summit East to return to IALR October 1-2
CEA Summit Brings Academia and Greenhouse, Vertical Farm, Urban Ag, Other CEA Business Sectors Together To Spur Industry Collaboration, Innovation
The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returns to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, Virginia from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the leading trade show and conference for the vertical farming | greenhouse | CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT)-IALR CEA Innovation Center, a joint project of the IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the summit continues to serve as a premier platform for industry collaboration and innovation.
Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which attracted attendees from 33 US states, Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden, the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East is set to unite professionals once again from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers seeking hybrid growing opportunities, educators, scientists, Virginia Cooperative Extension personnel, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.
“Our partnership with the VT-IALR CEA Innovation Center underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where industry leaders and academia come together to drive innovation and explore new opportunities within the CEA sector.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con
With a focus on facilitating meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, the summit will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking/breakout sessions, and tabletop exhibits highlighting the latest advancements in CEA technology and practices. Attendees can also look forward to research facility tours, providing firsthand insights into cutting-edge research and development initiatives.
“The CEA Summit serves as a platform for showcasing the collaborative efforts between industry and academia in advancing CEA research and education,” adds Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the VT-IALR CEA Innovation Center and Vice President of Applied Research at IALR. “We are eager to continue driving the momentum of the CEA industry and providing attendees with valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.”
For more information on the 3rd Annual CEA Summit East, including registration, speaking and exhibit opportunities, visit the event website at www.ceasummit.com.
ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON
Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse |controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. More information, visit www.indoor.ag.
ABOUT THE VIRGINIA TECH – CEA INNOVATION CENTER
The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. More information – www.ialr.org/cea
Inside IALR Podcast: GO TEC – Generating Talent for Virginia
“The needs across Virginia and the nation are the same. We need to expose students to opportunities earlier, change parents’ mindsets about some of these opportunities, and then bring the voice of business and industry into the classroom. GO TEC is designed to do each of those things and more.” – Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) is Virginia’s solution to a dependable pipeline of exceptional talent. In this episode, IALR’s Vice President of Advanced Learning, Dr. Julie Brown, and GO TEC Director Angela Rigney discuss how IALR and our partners prepare the skilled workers of today and tomorrow.
GO TEC overview and history (00:58)
Talent pathways (02:32)
Modules and equipment (04:27)
Student experience (07:43)
Benefits of being hands-on (09:52)
Funding and support (16:39)
How and why the modules are chosen (19:06)
How GO TEC remains the same across regions (22:18)
Economic development and measuring impact (30:47)
What is the future (34:32)
IALR April 2024 Newsletter
The April 2024 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…
- REACH Partnership Improving Public Health
- Second GO TEC® Robotics Competition a Great Success
- 190 Student Participated in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day
- Partners Unite for Successful Family Literacy Night at IALR
- Much more!
Second Annual GO TEC VEX IQ Robotics Competition a Great Success
Approximately 76 middle school students from eight school divisions across the Commonwealth participated in the 2024 GO TEC® VEX IQ Robotics Competition hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on March 28. Following competitive qualifier rounds, the CMS Robotics Team from Chatham Middle School emerged victorious with the highest average score.
“The second annual robotics competition at IALR built upon last year’s success and provided an entertaining, beneficial experience for the participants. This event underscores GO TEC’s commitment to introducing middle school students to growing career fields such as robotics and automation in a memorable way.” – Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director
An action-packed competition showcased VEX IQ Robots, built and controlled by students, in this year’s game, Full Volume. On a 6-by-8-foot field, students used robots to retrieve various sized, cube-shaped game pieces and place them into containers. Teams competed in a series of collaborative matches throughout the day, accumulating points through various scoring strategies. Top finishers received awards based on overall points standings, and various superlative awards were distributed as well. All participants received a participation medallion., all of which were created with laser cutters utilized in the GO TEC Career Connections curriculum.
Each team participated in seven matches throughout the day.
The GO TEC team, supported by IALR, facilitated the competition along with the following partners: Danville Otterbots, GO Virginia, the Virginia Digital Maritime Center and others, as well as school systems from the following localities:
- Charlotte County
- Danville City
- Franklin County
- Grayson County
- Martinsville City
- Mecklenburg County
- Pittsylvania County
- Wythe County
Student teams are currently or have at one time been enrolled in the GO TEC Career Connections middle school program, a hands-on career exploration curriculum that connects students to high-demand career pathways.
“It is so rewarding to see students take what they are learning in their GO TEC courses and apply it in an entertaining, competitive way.” – Jacob Taylor, GO TEC Technical and Training Manager
The robotics contest serves as a natural extension of GO TEC’s comprehensive approach to workforce training and talent development. Through a collaborative hub-and-spoke model involving K12 school systems, higher education institutions and industry partners, GO TEC delivers hands-on learning experiences across various stages of education.
Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) starts in middle school Career Connections Labs and continues through high school, dual-enrollment and postsecondary programs. GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics and advanced materials. The program provides a sustainable talent pipeline for strategic industry sectors.
190 Students Gain Interview Experience at AspHIRE
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Longwood University and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) offered AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2024 to 190 high school students this Spring. Students participated in mock interviews and learned about professionalism and other important workplace skills with local professionals. Students came from 10 school divisions.
Volunteers interview high school students from Pittsylvania County Schools during an AspHIRE Mock Interview Day hosted at IALR in early March.
“The AspHIRE Mock Interview Day provides valuable experience to high school students across Southern Virginia, exposing them to important workplace skills and allowing them to experience an authentic interview process.” – Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager
The event was organized by IALR and held on March 5 and 7 at IALR, on March 13 at Longwood University, and on March 26 at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. Local professionals volunteered their time to lead work-readiness sessions on topics like communication, personal branding, professionalism, company benefits and more. In total, 57 volunteers provided their time, serving as interviewers and providing employability skill sessions.
190 students participated in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2024, which was held at three different locations: Longwood University, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and IALR.
Students from the following school divisions participated:
- Amelia County Public Schools
- Brunswick County Public Schools
- Charlotte County Public Schools
- Danville Public Schools
- Halifax County Public Schools
- Lunenburg County Public Schools
- Mecklenburg County Public Schools
- Nottoway Public Schools
- Pittsylvania County Schools
- Prince Edward County Public Schools
A volunteer interviews a high school student as part of the AspHIRE Mock Interview Day hosted at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) on March 26. Photo courtesy of SVHEC.
AspHIRE Mock Interview Day allows students to build skills through a practice interview with a local professional and several employability skill sessions. Students participate in a “conference” style experience, network with peers and professionals at a professional lunch and attend breakout sessions. The first AspHIRE Mock Interview Day was held at IALR in 2019 for students in Danville and Pittsylvania County and was expanded to include additional partners in the subsequent years. AspHIRE is part of IALR’s EmPOWER framework that systematically connects students to careers.
A Collaborative, Impactful Approach to Public Health: The REACH Partnership
A resident of the Dan River Region called 911 for lift assist and bed repair 14 times in one year.
The person needed support and resources, but in those moments of need, the only option the individual felt they had was to call 911.
Such situations strain the entire public health system, ranging from EMS transport agencies to hospitals and emergency rooms.
The Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership connected that patient to food resources, home health care, wound care, medication assistance, telehealth appointments with specialists and in-home physical therapy and ultimately helped with placement in a bariatric nursing home. And that positive outcome is one of many success stories since the Partnership’s launch in 2021.
A systems approach to improve community health, the REACH Partnership brings disparate and siloed health providers together, deploying coordinated care teams to reduce avoidable emergency department and hospital use and address chronic disease and health factors. This work is executed by numerous partners and done in concert with public health education campaigns from the REACH AmeriCorps program.
“IALR is a convener and a connector. The REACH Partnership is a showcase of our goal to bring together seemingly separate or disparate organizations to drive economic transformation through healthy and vibrant communities.” – Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President of Advanced Learning, IALR
A continuation of the former Community Health Worker initiative, the REACH Partnership is supported by The Health Collaborative of the Dan River Region and funded through a $6.3 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is the program administrator and lead fiscal agent.
A Systems Approach to Public Health
The goal of the REACH Partnership is to connect all the organizations focused on public health and implementing teams on the ground that know and understand the communities where they work. These organizations work together to strategically address systemic barriers to physical and mental health services for at-risk populations.
The service area for The Health Collaborative and REACH Partnership includes Caswell County, N.C., and the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, Va. This rural micropolitan region ranks low in health factors like economic stability, housing, transportation, education and access to healthcare, healthy foods and parks. As a result, poor health outcomes include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, respiratory problems and low life expectancy. The data below is from countyhealthrankings.org.
Health Factors
- Danville ranks 124 out of 133 Virginia localities.
- Pittsylvania ranks 103 out of 133 Virginia localities.
- Caswell ranks 81 out of 100 North Carolina localities.
Health Outcomes
- Danville ranks 128 out of 133 Virginia localities.
- Pittsylvania ranks 95 out of 133 Virginia localities.
- Caswell ranks 78 out of 100 North Carolina localities.
Factors that impact health are typically generational and socioeconomic in nature, calling for more robust solutions to improve health in a community. Organizations focused on improving community health usually operate independently of each other, duplicating resources and diluting potential impact.
To address both issues simultaneously, the goal for REACH Partners is to take a long-term, strategic approach to improving health by working together to address systemic, socioeconomic and generational health factors.
“Strategic collaboration among the organizations involved is what drives the success and impact of the REACH Partnership. Our teams make a tangible impact in the lives of our clients and will continue to drive positive health outcomes in the region.” – Dr. Cassandra Shelton-Bowman, REACH Program Manager
Dr. Cassandra Shelton-Bowman, Program Manager for the REACH Partnership, speaks with Francina Jones, REACH Program Assistant
Coordinated Care Teams
“You can only serve a community when you know what they need.”
That’s what Cindi Poteat, a Care Coordinator for the REACH Partnership says when describing the role of the coordinated care teams.
Intentionally designed to link healthcare, social services and community members, coordinated care teams include cross-agency community health workers, care coordinators and community paramedics. Community health workers and community paramedics are trusted members of the community who serve in these credentialed roles.
Currently, 20 community health workers and paramedics are in strategic locations across the service area. They are focused on increasing clients’ access to services and improving their health management through education, informal counseling, social support, outreach and advocacy. Each of these workers usually has a caseload of around 20 clients. REACH teams serve as liaisons between the community and available resources, increasing utilization to address social determinants.
The office of the REACH Partnership and REACH AmeriCorps program is located in the middle of downtown Danville at 772 Main Street.
For instance, Martina Tatum, a Certified Community Health Worker and Team Lead with Gateway Health, works with clients on crucial tasks like finding housing, applying for benefits, and navigating end-of-life care.
“When you are struggling to get food, to pay your rent and utility bills, going to the doctor is the last thing on a person’s mind. It’s all connected to health. If your basic needs are not met, you’re not going to take care of yourself.” – Martina Tatum, Community Health Worker
As a Care Coordinator and Certified Community Health Worker, Poteat has spent the last seven years serving communities in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County, working to identify the various social determinants of health for people in the region.
“We are a liaison and advocate for our clients in the community. We are their voice.” – Cindi Poteat, Care Coordinator and Certified Community Health Worker
REACH Partners
| The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research | Piedmont Access to Health Services, Inc. (PATHS) | Gateway Health |
| Sovah Health Danville | Compassion Health Care, Inc. | Danville Life Saving Crew |
| Caswell County EMS | Danville Pittsylvania County Community Services | Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority |
AmeriCorps Education
IALR’s Advanced Learning division also administers the REACH AmeriCorps program, which works with the REACH Partnership. Focused on expanding public health capacity, community health educators conduct public health workshops and provide individualized support, addressing the region’s most pressing physical and mental health challenges.
This REACH AmeriCorps program was launched in 2022, and AmeriCorps awarded a $230,000 grant in spring 2023 to continue the program.
REACH AmeriCorps members provide an educational workshop about public health.
In short, this collaboration means that REACH has “two sides of the house.” While the REACH Partnership focuses on connecting providers and providing a system of care, the REACH AmeriCorps program deploys community health educators to provide resources and education to community members struggling with accessing healthcare resources.
REACH AmeriCorps members lead educational workshops in churches, retirement homes, independent living facilities and even within neighborhoods. These workshops are on several different topics specific to the community’s needs, such as mental health, exercise, cancer, diabetes and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
REACH AmeriCorps in fiscal year 2023
| 20 Members | 4,722 Service Hours | 480 Clients Served |
Serving approximately 25 hours a week, REACH AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance stipend, professional development, and a Segal Education Award.
If there is an identified need for immediate help, REACH AmeriCorps members will refer individuals to the REACH Partnership. From there, the Community Health Workers can refer people in need to Primary Care Physicians and provide a personalized approach to addressing the social determinants of health.
A Tangible Impact
“As we make our community healthier, we will have a stronger, more robust workforce. A high-quality, career-ready and healthy workforce is a direct contribution to economic development, the economic transformation of Southern Virginia, and the creation of a region where all can live and thrive.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President
A few years after the program’s launch, the REACH Partnership is already driving impact in the Dan River Region.
2023 Outcomes and Impact
| Made 9,841 Connections to Resources for 674 Clients | Reduced Emergency Room Visits for 63% of High Use Clients | Graduated 134 Clients |
To recognize that impact, the REACH Partnership was recently named a 2023 Health Quality Innovator of the Year by the Health Quality Innovators. The Community Health Worker Initiative – which became the REACH Partnership – was one of the programs that helped the City of Danville win the 2020 All-America City Award,
The REACH Partnership is tangibly improving health outcomes for individuals, but the long-term goal is that these results will compound and enhance the region’s rankings for both health factors and health outcomes. Each organization involved operates under two simple premises: no one organization can solve these problems alone, and improving health outcomes is a long-term strategy.
“Not only are they changing the lives of the individuals they serve, but together, their collective impact is moving the needle on our region’s population health outcomes.” – Maggie Richardson, Regional Coordinator, The Health Collaborative of the Dan River Region
Inside IALR Podcast: the REACH Partnership
The Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health (REACH) Partnership is a systems approach to improve community health. In this episode of Inside IALR, we speak REACH Program Manager Dr. Cassandra Shelton, Regional Coordinator for the Health Collaborative Maggie Richardson, and Care Coordinator and certified Community Health Worker Cindi Poteat about the program’s aim to improve health factors and outcomes by connecting people to available resources.
Tenth ATDM Cohort Graduates
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) celebrated the achievements of 59 students who graduated as part of the program’s 10th cohort during a ceremony on Friday, March 29, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).
The 10th cohort of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program celebrates their graduation.
A 16-week, hands-on program, ATDM prepares adult learners in the skills needed to work in the submarine and defense industrial base – the system of companies that produces parts and equipment for the U.S. military. ATDM includes 600 hours of instruction and produces skilled talent with industry-recognized credentials. This program expands the pool of skilled workers in five tracks – welding, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, non-destructive testing and quality control inspection (metrology) – needed to develop submarines and other military equipment.
During the ceremony, welding student Berlutchy Jean Pierre thanked his support system and the staff of ATDM for his experience and offered words of encouragement to his fellow classmates as well as the next cohort.
ATDM welding student Berlutchy Jean Pierre presents the student testimonial at the March graduation ceremony.
“For those graduating today, go forth and do great things. For the new cohort, we got through it and so will you. Just keep pushing.” – Berlutchy Jean Pierre, Welding Student, ATDM
Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head, shared a keynote address imparting words of wisdom for the students as they enter the workforce and continue to grow as professionals.
Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head, presents the keynote at the March ATDM graduation ceremony.
“Your professional development starts with you. Your achievements start with you. Do the work and push yourself, but put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. You’re making your nation and ATDM proud, but also take care of yourself.” – Dr. Carlton E. MeBane II, CPO USN, Retired, NAVAIR Command Property Office Policy Branch Head
This cohort brings the total number of ATDM graduates to 472 since the program launched in 2021.
Approximately 800-1,000 students will graduate from the ATDM program annually starting in 2025. The Navy’s National Training Center, which is housed on IALR’s campus, is under construction and slated for completion in 2025. Each of the five tracks will be offered across three shifts when the training center is completed.
ABOUT IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through 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. To learn more, click here.
ABOUT ATDM
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing is a prototype training platform for rapidly training skilled workers in key trades such as CNC machining and welding for employment in the defense industry. ATDM was developed as a public-private consortium between the DoD, IALR, Danville Community College (DCC), Phillips Corporation and The Spectrum Group in consultation with the defense industry. IALR is leading a multi-year pilot project to test and evaluate ATDM as a training platform for regional training centers supporting the defense industrial base. The pilot project is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills initiative which was launched in 2020 by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office (IBAS) in the office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. To learn more, click here.
College Students Working in the CEA Innovation Center
“My favorite part has been seeing the progress of the plants daily. Watching them start as little seeds and then grow into some pretty big plants is very cool.” – Jacob Haymore, Undergraduate Research Technician with the CEA Innovation Center
Working part-time as Undergraduate Research Technicians in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, Jacob Haymore and Cameron Dallas have gained valuable experience and supported vital research projects.
A joint project between Virginia Tech and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the CEA Innovation Center is an agricultural technology training center, research hub and demonstration site that connects academia, industry and producers to move the CEA industry forward. The Innovation Center is housed primarily within a modern greenhouse complex on IALR’s campus.
“Bringing students into this ecosystem for impactful employment opportunities fits the mission of the CEA Innovation Center and will contribute to the growth of the CEA workforce.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President, Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center
Haymore’s position is funded through an internal Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences grant focused on hydroponic herb production. A 2022 Chatham High School graduate on the verge of completing his associate degree in liberal arts from Danville Community College, Haymore did not have much experience working with plants. A family friend told him about the position, and he applied. He started in December 2023 and plans to continue working in the CEA Innovation Center through the summer.
Jacob Haymore, a Danville Community College student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.
“The idea of working in a greenhouse was interesting to me,” Haymore said. “I like that I’m not stuck in an office. I get to be hands-on and active.”
As a kid, Dallas learned about agriculture while helping on his grandmother’s farm. A current accounting student at Averett University hoping to pursue a real estate career, Dallas found the CEA position through Averett’s Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness. Dallas started working in the CEA Innovation Center in September and will conclude his term upon graduation. Dallas’s position is funded through the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and focuses on vertical farm and greenhouse projects and greenhouse management tasks.
“I felt like something was missing,” Dallas said. “I was doing the typical senior stuff. This turned out to be a great opportunity for me.”
Cameron Dallas, an Averett University student working as an Undergraduate Research Technician in the CEA Innovation Center.
Dallas and Haymore are supporting research experiments on irrigation rates in microgreens, fertilizer rates for dill and fennel, and several projects on the SMART Tables. Some of their daily tasks include data collection, seed sowing, irrigation, treatment application, data entry and monitoring and adjusting electrical conductivity and pH levels in the hydroponic systems.
“I definitely think this experience will help me in my career, whatever direction I take,” Dallas said.
The students have worked with the entire research team at IALR but primarily report to Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture, based at IALR.
“My goal with having undergraduate students working with the CEA Innovation Center is to provide the opportunity to learn about horticulture, controlled environment agriculture, and research. This provides students at this stage in their education the opportunity to explore these areas as potential graduate school majors and career paths, build skills that will be applicable in other industries and learn about the food production/agriculture industry.” – Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech Assistant Professor of Controlled Environment Agriculture
The CEA Innovation Center will continue to recruit and develop undergraduate researchers. Those opportunities are sent directly to colleges and universities in the region when available.
Partners Unite for Successful Family Literacy Night at IALR
In a display of community collaboration, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted a successful Family Literacy Night on Pi Day, 3.14, underscoring its commitment to education and literacy.
The event was made possible through strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations dedicated to literacy advancement. Notable collaborators included Dan River Year AmeriCorps, The Literacy Lab, REACH AmeriCorps and The Joy of Reading – Jennifer Williams, who donated books for the event’s giveaway.
As a testament to the event’s impact, 150 guests participated, engaging in various literacy activities based on books. Fifty-six dedicated volunteers dressed up as book characters to run the activity stations and represented 13 community-based organizations.
Among the organizations represented by volunteers were the Danville Otterbots, Danville Project Literacy, URW and Dollar, Danville-Pittsylvania County United Way, Pittsylvania County 4-H Agent and Teen Leader, Danville 4-H, Center for Early Success, Tooth Fairy in Disguise, Pittsylvania County Library, Ruby B. Library, the Reading Cohort, as well as students and advisors from the Dan River High Interact Club and the Dan River High Beta Club.
“We are honored to host such a meaningful event that underscores the power of partnerships in advancing literacy and education. Family Literacy Night embodies the spirit of our mission at IALR, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to nurture a community where everyone can thrive.” – IALR President Telly Tucker
About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, 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, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
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