Mountain Gateway Community College appoints Ashley Pratt as MG-TEC IT Academy Director
Clifton Forge, Va. - Mountain Gateway Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Pratt as MG-TEC IT Academy Director.
"I am thrilled to be joining the MG-TEC team as we provide innovative learning opportunities for students interested in information technology careers,” Pratt said.
Pratt, who previously served as MGCC’s Assistant Professor and Program Head for Mathematics and Education, has a long history in STEM education at MGCC and in K-12 schools around Virginia. She holds a master’s degree in educational technology and is currently completing a doctoral program at Boise State University.
Our region faces a stark reality where many high school graduates are at risk of entering the poverty index due to limited educational and career prospects. The IT industry's rapid growth, with a projected 11% increase in jobs from 2019 to 2029, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, presents a unique opportunity to transform the lives of these young individuals. Sadly, many students often lack access to the resources, support, and mentorship needed to break free from the cycle of poverty.
MG-TEC is designed to empower high school students with a comprehensive education in Information Technology (IT). Pratt’s vision for the program is to create a learning experience that equips students with the necessary skills to enter into technology careers or continue their education upon graduation.
“Through hands-on projects, industry partnerships, and a focus on real-world challenges, we will prepare our students to innovate and excel in a rapidly changing digital landscape,” Pratt said.
MG-TEC will open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors starting Fall 2025. Upon completing their chosen pathway, students will receive an industry-recognized certificate, putting them on the fast track to a career in IT right out of high school.
Students will be able to take classes on campus utilizing the Governor’s School Transportation network. HyFlex attendance is also possible through Zoom or asynchronously for students who aren’t able to come to campus.
Pratt will be working this year to recruit students, launch a Pearson VUE testing center, and finalize policies and procedures for admitting our first-ever class of MG-TEC students.
For the Fall semester, Heather Hough will be serving as the interim program head for mathematics, and Dr. Ben Worth will be serving as the interim program head for Education. MGCC will be posting a full-time mathematics instructor position in the coming weeks.
For more information about MG-TEC IT Academy, contact Ashley Pratt at apratt@mgcc.edu.