Education & Learning

Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia "18 under 18 Class of 2026" graphic on a teal background with logo.

18 Under 18

Meet this year's incredible cohort of 18 Under 18, thanks in partnership to Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia.
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Virginia College Guide 2026

A comprehensive look into higher education throughout the Commonwealth.
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Free Career Support for Job Seekers in the Roanoke Valley

The Roanoke Higher Education Center’s (RHEC) Career and Workforce Development Center is a “one-stop shop” for career support that assists students in their member institutions, as well as members of the general public.
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The Power of Education

Hands-on learning equips residents with skills that translate directly into meaningful careers.
A nursing assistant in blue scrubs takes a patient's blood pressure with a stethoscope while the patient lies in a hospital bed.

Virginia Western and Total Action for Progress (TAP) Join Together to Offer Nurse Aide Training for Certification

For many, this training will be low to no cost, leading to an in-demand career in healthcare.
Engineering students at Roanoke County’s Burton Center for Arts & Technology show part of the class lettuce harvest Oct. 24.

Virginia Western Hydroponics Program Grows High Schoolers’ Skills

A five-week program piloted this fall gives students hands-on experience to see how agriculture and technology can combine in today’s workforce.
Virginia Western is enrolling for a course in sterile processing, with the ability to receive provisional certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician.

Virginia Western Aims to Help Fill Critical Need for Technicians Certified in Sterile Processing

Those interested must register by Sept. 15 for the next 10-week class, which begins Sept. 29.
Newly constructed lab space at Virginia Western supports hands-on training for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, which has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). The lab features industry-standard equipment to prepare students for real-world clinical environments.

Virginia Western Announces Accreditation Candidacy for Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

The program will serve regional workforce needs and expand access to in-demand healthcare.
Hydroponic farming, like the display shown here from Blue Ridge Hydroponics in Salem, VA, provides an innovative method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water and technology. Virginia Western will launch an eight-week hydroponics course starting February 19, 2025, to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to hydroponic farming.

Virginia Western to Offer New Hydroponics Course Starting February 19, 2025

This course will explore the principles behind hydroponics, from the basic technology and equipment to setting up and maintaining a hydroponic system.

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The House on the Hill

Stewardship of the signature structure on the city side of Mill Mountain is in the very conscientious hands of Drs.

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