VT and Amazon Partner on Machine Learning Initiative

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by
Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently announced a newly forged partnership with Amazon on a machine learning initiative.

Per the press release, the “Amazon – Virginia Tech Initiative for Efficient and Robust Machine Learning will include machine learning-focused research projects, doctoral student fellowships, community outreach, and an establishment of a shared advisory board.”

Virginia Tech will host an annual public research symposium to disseminate information to communities in the related fields. The university will also team with the tech giant to co-host two-yearly training and recruiting events geared toward students.

“This partnership affirms the value of our connection to Amazon as we scale up project-based learning and research programs in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Building Virginia Tech’s strength and expertise in these fields will support critical technological advancements and our commitment to fuel workforce development in the commonwealth.”
– Tim Sands, President Virginia Tech

Learn more about the exciting research and innovation projects in the NRV here.

Learn more about IT in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.

VT ranked #3 for I.T. per U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech announced in January that its online master’s degree in information technology program (MIT) was ranked No. 3 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings.

Virginia Tech’s online IT master’s degree program retains its #1 position for veterans according to U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings, while online graduate programs in engineering remain in the top 20.

Per the article, Parviz Ghandforoush, professor, associate dean, and executive director of the MIT Program in the Pamplin College of Business said:

“In 2021, the program introduced new cutting-edge courses and certificates designed to meet market needs in artificial intelligence, machine learning, innovation, and entrepreneurism.”

The press release from Virginia Tech further elaborates on the scale of the program-

“Virginia Tech’s MIT program is one of the largest IT master’s degree programs in the country, enrolling nearly 1,000 students from the United States and other nations who want to learn about information technology and its applications”.

See more exciting announcements about IT in the New River Valley here.

###

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.

Virginia Tech Wins 2022 National Award For Entrepreneurship Program

/0 Comments/in , , , /by
BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech announced that in January the university was awarded the Model Program Award from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE).

The award recognizes “bold and innovative programs making an impact in the field of entrepreneurship education with comprehensive, high-quality educational programs that successfully train future generations of entrepreneurs”.

Per the article, Judi Eyles, Program Awards Chair for USASBE 2022 says:

“Virginia Tech’s program is boldly comprehensive, with a significant lineup of faculty focused on entrepreneurship, many courses, integration with partners, and impressive leadership support.”

The award-winning entrepreneurship ecosystem at Virginia Tech is highlighted in the video below.

 

See more exciting announcements about higher education in the New River Valley here.

###

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.

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

2021 Accolades and Awards for the NRV

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley was frequently recognized during 2021 as a premier place to live, work, and do business. Below is a list of just a few of the accolades won this year by the NRV’s counties, city, towns, schools, and universities.

Radford #9 Best Place to Raise a Family in VALife is Wonderful in Virginia’s New River Valley

FloydFest Wins Four Best of the Blue Ridge 2021 AwardsThe NRV is Known for Its Unique Festivals, Destinations, and Businesses

Lane Stadium Voted Best Football Stadium in ACCEnjoy Sports and Recreation Across the NRV

NRV Tech Companies Make Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing CompaniesCompanies in the Virginia’s New River Valley are Thriving and Growing

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in VirginiaThe NRV Offers High Quality Educational Opportunities

Explore more NRV accolades and awards here.

###

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.

Radford Wins Grant for High School Students to Earn IT Degrees

Radford Wins Grant for High School Students to Earn IT Degrees

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Radford, VA – Radford City Schools recently was awarded a Career and Technical Education High School Innovation Grant for students to earn associate’s degrees in information technology. The grant was one of seven programs funded around the Commonwealth of Virginia with the purpose of “prepar[ing] students for high-wage, in-demand careers.”

Radford City Schools partnered with New River Community College and 1901 Group to create this program for students.

Here is what the governor’s press release has to say about the grant:

Radford Public Schools — $90,000 to create – in collaboration with New River Community College and the 1901 Group – a pathway for students to earn an associate degree in information technology.

Read the full press release to learn more about the Career and Technical Education High School Innovation Grant program and see the other grant winners here.

Learn more about the growing information technology sector in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about Radford, a community in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.

NRV Cybersecurity Initiatives Featured in Virginia Economic Review

NRV Cybersecurity Initiatives Featured in Virginia Economic Review

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Cybersecurity education initiatives from two of the New River Valley’s higher education institutions were featured in an article in the Q3 2021 issue of the Virginia Economic Review. The article, titled “Bridging Cybersecurity Gaps”, detailed unique cybersecurity initiatives from universities across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Programs and research projects from Radford University and Virginia Tech were both included in the article.

The article highlighted Radford University’s transdisciplinary approach to cybersecurity education. The university’s Center for Information Security (CIS), led by Director Prem Uppuluri, “provid[es] faculty with tools and skillsets necessary to teach cybersecurity through a broader perspective.” Beyond the CIS, other university faculty are focusing on developing curriculum to help K-12 teachers learn about cybersecurity and doing research on “securing IoT [Internet of Things] devices”.

Virginia Tech’s cybersecurity initiatives featured in the article included the new Tech4Humanity Lab. This lab, run by Professor Eric Jardine, is “examining the effects of media coverage around drug market closures on the ensuing level of dark web searches for drug-related activity.” In addition, the article highlighted a project led by Professor Ali Mehrizi-Sani to “support power grid operators’ shift to 5G communications”.

Read the full article from the Virginia Economic Review and learn about Radford University and Virginia Tech’s cybersecurity initiatives in more detail here .

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Explore the tech sector in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.

GO Virginia Grant will Fund Talent Project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties

GO Virginia Grant will Fund Talent Project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board was awarded a Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant to assist businesses in attracting and retaining talent in Floyd and Pulaski Counties. Governor Ralph Northam announced in late September that the award is one of fourteen GO Virginia grant projects that will be funded. The fourteen grants total over $7.7 million dollars and are intended “to advance community economic recovery efforts in … economic diversification, workforce development, talent pipelines, economic resiliency, and business-ready sites.”

Here is more detailed information from the press release about the project in Floyd and Pulaski Counties:

Profiles that Increase the Competencies, Knowledge and Skills that Matter | $100,000
Region 2: Counties of Floyd and Pulaski
Using the American College Testing (ACT) Job Profiling system, the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board will consult with experts at companies to analyze the skills, skill levels, and skill frequency workers need to be successful at certain jobs. This project will support the economic growth of the region’s priority industry clusters by developing a tool, process, and common language in helping businesses with their recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting practices. Additionally, it will assist businesses to make decisions about jobs, identify strengths, set training goals, and find appropriate training programs for in-demand jobs for high-growth businesses.

Read the governor’s full press release, including information about the other grants awarded, here.

Learn more about the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Consortium Board here.

Learn more about workforce and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.

Blacksburg High School Among Top 100 STEM High Schools in U.S.

Blacksburg High School Among Top 100 STEM High Schools in U.S.

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – U.S. News & World Report ranked Blacksburg High School as one of the Top 100 Best STEM High Schools in the United States for 2021. BHS came in at #94 on the list.

STEM stands for the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To create the list of the Best STEM High Schools, “U.S. News looked at the top 1,000 public schools from our latest Best High Schools rankings, and then evaluated their students’ participation and success in Advanced Placement science and math tests.”

Blacksburg High School also moved up nine spots from last year to rank #21 among public high schools in Virginia. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranked BHS #981 out of the nearly 18,000 public high schools ranked in 2021. This means Blacksburg High School is ranked among the top 6% of high schools nationally.

See U.S. News and World Report’s rankings of Blacksburg High School here.

Learn more about education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Learn more about Blacksburg, a town in Virginia’s New River Valley, here.

###

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.

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in Virginia

VT and Radford Among Best Value Colleges in Virginia

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

New River Valley, VA – Virginia Tech and Radford University are among the top 10 best value colleges in Virginia according to SmartAsset.com. Virginia Tech is ranked #3 for 2021, which is up one spot from the previous year. Radford University is ranked #8 for 2021, which is two spots higher than university’s last ranking in 2019.

According to SmartAsset’s methodology, the company “looked at five factors to determine the best value colleges and universities in the U.S.: tuition, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention rate and starting salary for new graduates.” Each institution was given a College Education Value Index and ranked based on their index score. Virginia Tech’s score was 71.91 and Radford University’s score was 43.11.

See SmartAsset’s Best Value Colleges Virginia ankings list and methodology here.

Learn more about higher education in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

Photos: Radford University (left) and Virginia Tech (right)

###

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.

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

VT Drone Park Helps Students Earn Remote Pilot Certificates

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Montgomery County, VA – The Virginia Tech Drone Park is helping students obtain their FAA Remote Pilot Certificates through a new grant program. This certificate is also known as a Part 107 license, and it is required to fly drones on Virginia Tech’s campus.

A recent article from Virginia Tech Daily explains how Drone Park Manager Sarah Macey started a grant program to defray the costs of the exam fee for students. In the Spring 2021 semester, grants will be awarded to up to 15 undergraduates. According to Macey, “One of my goals at the drone park is to look for new ways to support students here, both through opportunities that can build their resume and help them in the future, like getting their Part 107.”

The Drone Park is a resource for students to advance their learning about drones and the unmanned systems field. According to Stephen Duma, the Harry Wyatt Professor of Engineering and the Director of Virginia Tech’s Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, “the drone park is a conduit for students to… develop skills they can apply in their own careers. This program is another way we can help create opportunities for the students who are going to shape the evolution of this technology.”

Read the entire article about how the Drone Park Grants will help Virginia Tech students prepare for careers in unmanned systems here.

Learn more about the unmanned systems industry in Virginia’s New River Valley here.

###

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.