SWCC Receives $1.8 Million from ARC's POWER Initiative
CEDAR BLUFF, VA — Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) has been awarded approximately $1.8 million ($1,818,822) by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for its new project, Career Pathways for Advanced Manufacturing and Trade-Based Technicians. This award is made available through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to help Appalachian coal communities expand economic opportunities by creating high-quality, in-demand jobs in multiple industries, attracting new sources of private investment, and providing comprehensive workforce services and skills training.
SWCC, along with partners in Virginia, will expand and enhance programs aligned with regional employer demand, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Electrical/Electronics
- Precision Machining and Welding
- Automotive Technology and HVAC
- New programs in Robotic Welding, Datacenter Operations, and Technician Entrepreneurship
- Advanced Manufacturing AAS
- Electrical/Electronics AAS
- Precision Machining and Advanced Precision Machining Career Studies Certificates
- Automotive Diagnostics and Repair and Advanced Automotive Technology Career Studies Certificates
- Welding and Advanced Welding and Fabrication Career Studies Certificates
- Robotic Welding Operations Career Studies Certificate – NEW to be developed
- Datacenter Maintenance Career Studies Certificate – NEW to be developed
- From Technician to Small Business Entrepreneur Career Studies Certificate – NEW to be developed.
- Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science - NEW to be developed.
- Computer Numerical Control Machine and Operations Associate of Applied Science - NEW to be developed.
- HVAC and Electrical Associate of Applied Science - NEW to be developed.
The initiative will also introduce new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs, expand training capacity, and embed industry-recognized certifications to ensure students graduate workforce-ready.
“This project reflects our ongoing commitment to aligning education with real workforce needs,” said James Dye, Dean of Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology at SWCC. “Through our engagement with the region’s business and industrial sector and our monitoring of labor market needs, we identified these career pathway programs for improvement and development to provide more opportunities for students and a stronger talent pipeline for employers.”
The grant will fund new faculty and staff positions, upgraded equipment, expanded training capacity, and certification opportunities, enabling SWCC to serve more students while modernizing its technical programs.
ARC’s investment comes at a critical time for Southwest Virginia, where demand for workers in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and emerging technologies continues to grow. The project will support high-wage, high-demand career opportunities while helping local employers address persistent workforce shortages.
“ARC’s support is a strong endorsement of Southwest Virginia Community College’s role in workforce and economic development,” said Dr. Clint Hayes, President of Southwest Virginia Community College. “This investment will help us expand high-quality career pathways and give students direct access to family-sustaining careers. It also helps us meet employer needs and support the long-term economic health of Southwest Virginia. We appreciate our strong regional partners who help move this important work forward.”
The effort will benefit students, employers, and the broader community by creating clear pathways to family-sustaining careers, strengthening regional industries, and contributing to long-term economic growth and revitalization.