SWCC and ACCAP Receive Chancellor's Award for Workforce Development
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) and Appalachian Community Corrections Alternative Program (ACCAP) have been recognized with a 2026 Chancellor's Award for Workforce Development, receiving the Outstanding Achievement through a Collaboration or Consortia of Partners award during the annual Hire Education Conference.
The Chancellor's Awards for Workforce Development recognize individuals and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting students, workforce programs, and Virginia's economic development efforts. The Outstanding Achievement through a Collaboration or Consortia of Partners award honors partnerships that assist students with career and education planning, program admission, access to resources, work-based learning opportunities, job placement, and the attainment of industry-recognized credentials.
The award recognizes the innovative partnership between Southwest Virginia Community College and Appalachian CCAP, which has created workforce training opportunities for probationers participating in the CCAP program. Through the collaboration, participants have earned industry certifications in high-demand fields including welding, heavy equipment operation, and solar panel installation, helping them secure meaningful employment and establish paths toward long-term success.
The partnership directly supports the goals of Accelerate Opportunity: Virginia's Community Colleges, an initiative focused on awarding 300,000 cumulative meaningful credentials by 2030 through expanded access and successful outcomes for students across the Commonwealth.
"Receiving the Chancellor's Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the outstanding partnership between Southwest Virginia Community College and Appalachian CCAP," said Shannon Fuller, Superintendent of Appalachian CCAP. "This achievement is the result of extensive planning, coordination, and dedication by staff from both organizations, who worked together to create meaningful opportunities for probationers participating in the program.
"Through this partnership, individuals have been able to earn workforce certifications in Welding, Heavy Equipment and Solar Panel Installation which has resulted in individuals securing high-paying employment opportunities. Beyond employment, this partnership has enhanced the CCAP Program by providing hope, motivation, and a clear pathway to success for probationers who often enter the program facing significant substance use challenges and feelings of hopelessness.
"The positive effects of this collaboration extend far beyond the individuals served. Families and communities across the Commonwealth benefit when participants gain valuable skills, meaningful employment, and the opportunity for long-term success. Employers also benefit by gaining access to a skilled, certified workforce prepared to meet industry demands. This award highlights what can be accomplished when organizations work together with a shared commitment to rehabilitation, education, and public service."
By combining workforce training, education, and supportive services, Southwest Virginia Community College and Appalachian CCAP are helping participants overcome barriers, gain marketable skills, and connect with employment opportunities that strengthen both local communities and regional industries.
The Chancellor's Award underscores the impact of collaborative partnerships in creating workforce solutions that benefit students, employers, and communities across Virginia.
