Published on February 26th, 2026
Last modified February 26th, 2026 08:27 am
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) has been awarded a $499,703 grant from the Virginia Department of Energy through its Skilled Pathways for Advancement, Resilience, and Knowledge (SPARK) Youth Workforce Pilot Program. Announced in early December, the funding will support the college’s new initiative, Developing the Next-Generation Workforce for Energy and Power in Southwest Virginia.
Through this initiative, SWCC will launch an Energy Career Exploration Camp, offered during the summers of 2026 through 2028. The camp will introduce students to a variety of high‑demand energy careers accessible through Career and Technical Education pathways, including dual enrollment, internships, and work‑based learning opportunities. Participants will learn about career routes leading to valuable workforce credentials such as NCCER, OSHA 10/30, EPA 608, AWS Welding, CompTIA, and CDL.
The program is made possible through collaboration with several key partners, including Coronado Global Resources, the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, and county Career and Technical Education dual‑enrollment programs.
“We are grateful for the SPARK Youth Workforce Program for opening meaningful pathways that help young people see themselves in energy careers,” said James Dye, Dean of the Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology Division.
Southwest Virginia Community College President Dr. Clinton Hayes emphasized the importance of early engagement and regional workforce development:
“At Southwest Virginia Community College, we believe in meeting students early and showing them what’s possible. This support allows us to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young people envision a future for themselves in careers that will shape our region for years to come. We’re thankful for the partners who share that vision and are willing to invest in our students.”