Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

06/03/2026

We're hiring! The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is seeking a Part-Time Event Support Technician to provide audiovisual support for events, classes, and meetings across campus.

If you're friendly, dependable, tech-savvy, and looking for flexible hours, this could be a great fit.

Learn more and apply at swcenter.edu/employment.

06/02/2026

Our Registered Apprenticeship Program is already making an impact across the region! 🎉

Since launching, the program has connected 8 employers and 18 apprentices through hands-on, earn-while-you-learn opportunities that help strengthen Southwest Virginia’s workforce. (Employees like Brayden with Pioneer Chevrolet in Abingdon!)

Interested in joining the program as an employer or apprentice? Learn more at swcenter.edu/apprentice/.

06/01/2026

Check out this neat project that our partners at Virginia Tech Southwest Center are participating in!

A Virginia Tech project is helping to breathe new life into a historic octagon-shaped house in Marion, Virginia, which has been a beloved fixture in the community for decades.

The collaboration, which includes the Center for Economic and Community Engagement, the Community Design Assistance Center at Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance, and the Virginia Tech Southwest Center, is helping the Octagon House Foundation apply for grants to complete the restoration of the building, finance program development, and add a wedding and event venue, visitor’s center, and lodging and dining services.

Read more: Link in comments.

06/01/2026

We take our work very seriously.

🦖

05/29/2026

We're proud of the amazing alumni who have graduated from the Center and continue to make a huge impact in their community, like Teresa Vance. She serves her community as a nurse practitioner at Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, Inc. Meadowview Clinic, where she provides compassionate care for patients of all ages.

Where will the Center take you? Visit swcenter.edu to learn more about all of our programs.

05/28/2026

At the Higher Ed Center, exceptional customer service is at the heart of what we do. Just ask the hundreds of event customers who have given us an average rating of 4.98 out of 5 stars!

Whether you’re planning a small meeting, large conference, luncheon, shower, or celebration, our team is here to help make it a success.

Ready to host your next event? We’d love to welcome you! Visit swcenter.edu/events to get started.

05/27/2026

It’s been a special month at the Center as we’ve welcomed students, families, educators, and community partners for graduation celebrations and senior events. 🎓

From the Virginia High School Senior Luncheon to graduation ceremonies for Virginia Highlands Community College, Washington County Career & Technical Education Center, Patrick Henry High School - Glade Spring, Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program, and Abingdon Elementary School, we’ve been proud to help celebrate the accomplishments of so many outstanding students.

To all of this year’s graduates: congratulations on this incredible milestone! We’re honored to be part of a community filled with bright futures, hard work, and so much promise. 💚

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

In observance of Memorial Day, the Center will be closed today, Monday, May 25.

05/22/2026

Meet Kitty Nash! ✨

When she’s not busy helping keep our building sparkling clean, Kitty is also our resident balloon arch extraordinaire and party planning expert! 🎈

Outside of work, you can usually find her cheering on her granddaughter in the stands. We’re grateful for all the joy, creativity, and dedication Kitty brings to the Center each day!

05/21/2026

Summer is shaping up to be an exciting season at the Center! Looking for engaging opportunities to keep your child learning and exploring this summer? We’re proud to partner with several of our educational partners to offer hands-on camps for students across the region. ☀️🎓

In June, we're partnering with the The University of Virginia's College at Wise to host a three-day Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for high school students. This hands-on experience will introduce students to one of today’s fastest-growing fields and explore how AI is shaping the future across industries.

In July, we’re partnering with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy to host a one-day pharmacy camp for rising 7th graders and up. Students will get an inside look at the exciting field of pharmacy through interactive STEM activities and hands-on learning experiences.

Visit our website to learn more and register: swcenter.edu/summerstemopportunities/