2024 SWVHEC Annual Report

VIRGINIA TECH SOUTHWEST CENTER The Virginia Tech Southwest Center was excited to host the FIRST EVER Virginia Small Towns Conference held at the Center in June 2024. More than 100 elected officials, economic development directors, town managers, town staff and tourism directors from small towns across the commonwealth gathered to attend the sold-out event. The Women Impact Virginia regional event consisted of several speakers examining the culture, dialect, music, and history of women in Southwest Virginia and had approximately 30 attendees. Beginning summer 2024, the Virginia Tech Autism Clinic & Center for Autism Research is providing free diagnostic assessments to evaluate for autism in school-aged children 17 years old and younger. Assessments are conducted through a combination of in-person and remote meetings at the SWVHEC. The first meeting of the Virginia Tech Southwest Center Advisory Council was held at the Higher Education Center in February 2024. The purpose of this inaugural meeting was to discuss how the Virginia Tech Southwest Center can align itself within the region to impact and influence work that is being done in Southwest Virginia.

MOUNT ROGERS REGIONAL ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM The Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program enrolled 158 students in classes this past program year at the Center. These students earned a total of 178 certifications including: English Language, GED, and Integrated, Education & Training (IET). The IET students are co-enrolled at Virginia Highlands Community College in the Healthcare, Diesel Mechanics, Precision Machinist, and Mechatronics programs. Twenty-five students received the ServSafe Manager Certification. Eight employees attend the Windmills Program held at the Center, presented by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to further understand the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2023-24 Annual Report

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