Excella Extension Center Plans Expansion

Blacksburg, VA – The old ‘Catch 22’ – you can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. For the past ten years, the Excella Extension Center located in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (VTCRC) has been training software engineering students to work on software development projects. Recently, Excella ranked #3 Best Tech & Engineering Internships and #6 Best Internships for Employment Prospects by Vault. Since 2009, approximately 80 students have already participated in their existing program, and 30 of them have accepted full-time employment within the company.

Excella co-founder and partner Steve Cooper will run a spinoff company, based on the Excella Extension Center model, set to open at the end of 2019. It will be located in the VTCRC and will provide talent and virtual workforce to Excella and other businesses. The program will benefit both businesses and students by allowing recent graduates to hit the ground running when they start working in the industry. Virginia Tech students will be the first to benefit, but Cooper has plans to expand the concept to other campuses, including Radford University.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.