Stronger Workforce. Greater Community Campaign
Overview
Mountain Gateway Community College is the economic engine for the region. Multiple programs in highly sought technical fields provide students with skilled, hands-on learning that lead to one- and two-year professional certificates, associate degrees, or industry recognized credentials.
Partnerships and collaborations with area industries help identify vital training opportunities and programs that meet and exceed industry standards to attract and sustain a skilled workforce. Industry partners provide input on curriculum, customized training opportunities for new and existing workers, mentorships, apprenticeships, and jobs for students in all technical areas.
Efforts to maintain these career programs and partnerships require more resources, including physical space. The human resources and existing facilities are at capacity and, if the College is to continue offering and enhancing its technical programs and fulfill our obligations to industry partners, we will need to increase the learning labs and services for in-demand fields. Especially during these times of uncertainty, education and training provide job security as comfort and a stable foundation for individuals and families to navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns.
Need
To meet the growing demand for technical workforce training, the College seeks to renovate the Joseph Wilson Workforce Development Center, the old Ford Dealership in Buena Vista, Virginia. This facility will increase the college’s capacity to deliver workforce training by 200% and increase enrollment by at least 120% in the career and technical areas. The Wilson Workforce Development Center will provide expanded lab and classroom spaces for training in welding, precision machining, industrial technology, building trades, diesel mechanic, CDL, electrical, plumbing, and much more.
Project
Mountain Gateway Community College through its Real Estate Foundation will renovate an 18,750 square-foot building at 2019 Forest Ave in Buena Vista, Virginia, which, along with Rockbridge County and Lexington City, is located in a designated Opportunity Zone.
The project will develop a new manufacturing and workforce training center. The project will expand the college’s capacity to deliver in-demand training and award industry credentials in a number of in- demand areas. Once completed, the project will help upskill the region’s workforce by providing a pipeline of skilled workers in high-demand fields, which will bolster workforce development, create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen the regional economy. This comprehensive approach will address a critical need through new programming and provide greater access to resources.
The Goal
Total Estimated Project Costs:
Renovations - $4,800,000
A&E Fees - $300,000
Equipment - $800,00
Building Acquisition - $370,000
Furniture - $100,000
TOTAL - $6,370,000
Naming Opportunities
Recognition may take the form of articles in college publications, listing in any annual reports, announcements on the college website, press releases, and at campaign special events. All donors of $5,000 or more are offered the opportunity to name one or more college facilities commensurate with the total amount of their pledge. All donors of $1,000 or more will have their names listed on a plaque to be located inside the building. Specific rooms can be shared
Donations
Direct donations to the Real Estate Foundation can be made at the following link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=MNBFBFXUZBKCJ
For more information, please contact:
Dr. John Rainone, MGCC President 540.863.2827 | jrainone@mgcc.edu
Your generous gifts will create this facility to train the Virginia workforce of tomorrow.