Clifton Forge, VA — Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) is proud to announce that its Forestry program has been awarded $3,250 through the Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV) Agricultural Career Enhancement (ACE) grant program. This funding will support MGCC’s ongoing outreach efforts by helping fund a Forestry Career Advisor recruiting position, aimed at introducing students across Virginia to careers in natural resources.
MGCC is one of six post-secondary institutions sharing in $43,000 of grant funding provided by FCV. The ACE grant program, launched in 2024, is designed to strengthen agricultural career development programs at colleges and universities, including those in agricultural sciences, technology, education, agribusiness, forestry, and conservation.
“The Farm Credit of Virginia's ACE Grant support is vital for MGCC to continue educating K-12 students about the vast career opportunities within natural resources,” said Scott Reigel, Program Head for MGCC Forestry. “Our Forestry Career Advisor provides much-needed exposure to youth all across Virginia on the important values in forest resource conservation. We would like to thank Farm Credit of Virginia for partnering with MGCC Forestry in spreading the good word about conservation throughout the state.”
Pete Cypret, CEO of Farm Credit of the Virginias, highlighted the program’s mission:
“This grant program is a prime example of how we aim to boost the longevity of the agriculture industry by making investments in these institutions as they work hard to promote agriculture to the next generation. We are glad to be able to support the future of agriculture and serve as an engaged partner in our rural communities.”
Established in 1969, the Mountain Gateway Community College Forestry program is the only Society of American Foresters accredited 2-year degree program in Virginia.