STEM Workforce Pipeline

The Technology Council supports numerous programs that are building a technology focused workforce for employers in the region, specifically those that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives with our region’s middle and high school students. We are engaged in the following programs:

Lego League: FIRST Lego League (FLL) is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites an enthusiasm for discovery, science, and technology in kids ages 9 to 14. The Council directly supports 3 local teams and an annual regional competition for more than 25 teams.
Vex Robotics: FIRST Vex Robotics is an intermediate program between FIRST Lego and FIRST Robotics. In 2008, Vex will be launched in 3 area high schools. The Council will host a competition between these teams at the annual Technology Fair.
FIRST Robotics: FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be through the creation and competition of robots. The Council is a corporate sponsor, mentor and the fiscal agent of team #600.
Technology Fair: Held each May at Central VA Community College (CVCC), the Council is a supporter of the region’s only technology fair for high school students. Students from area high schools compete in a variety of technology focused competitions.
Summer Middle School Academies: In conjunction with Tech Prep and CVCC, the Council offers week long technology camps to area middle school students. Students participate in one of 10 different camps. A sample of camps include: Women in Engineering, Aviation Technology, Health Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Building Trades, Information Technology and Motor sports.
Get Set: The Council and CVCC put out an annual magazine for the region’s 8th and 9th grade students that showcase the variety of technology based job opportunities available to students and the educational pathways needed to enter these job fields. In addition, we host the Get Set website, an online portal for students, parents, educators and companies that match makes career interests and educational opportunities.
Discovery Challenge Science Fair: Held each May, the Council is a corporate sponsor of the region’s only area-wide science fair for 5th through 8th grade students. As a part of the Central VA Regional Science Fair this event is affiliated with the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge
Future Focus Career EXPO: Held each October, we bring together industry and education in a trade-show format where students can explore career opportunities within Region 2000. Students from more than 25 area middle and high schools and 50 companies participate each year.
Partners in Education: The Council is a partner with Lynchburg City School’s Computer Systems Technology program. We provide assistance to the program by bringing in area representatives from industry to meet with the instructor and students and seek to facilitate real world learning experiences.
Tech Prep Career Pathways: This consortium consists of representatives from the region’s public schools, CVCC, area employers and the Technology Council. The consortium provides students in the region with educational opportunities organized around career pathways that lead to rewarding careers. The Council’s role in this program is to facilitate relationships between industry and K-12 education.
Customized Training Classes: In Partnership with Central Virginia Community College, we offer customized training classes to companies seeking training in areas that are outside the scope of normal class offerings or those that have low class enrollment.
Team America Rocketry Challenge: The Council is developing a new regional program in conjunction with the Team America Rocketry Challenge that introduces middle-school students to the world of engineering and aeronautics.