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December 2023
WCC: College sees increase in enrollment From Page 2
implemented an innovative plan to ease our students’ transition into college,” Sprinkle stated. While FTE is up across the Virginia Community College System, WCC is one of three community colleges that are up by double digits. By providing small group advising sessions, for instance, WCC’s newest students are able to get oneon-one attention and time from WCC staff. Students become acquainted with
the campus, courses, and programs. Academic advisors, financial aid advisors, scholarship managers, and program deans are on hand to assist with registration and with plans to make each student’s education affordable. Students in these small group sessions are provided lunch and are able to talk with their new classmates, meet several of their teachers, and participate in a campus tour. Other contributing factors to enrollment increase include:
New and Revitalized Programs: WCC continually invests in program expansions for academic and workforce programs, ensuring that students can access a wide range of disciplines and courses that align with their interests and career goals. WCC recently hired a fulltime education instructor to revitalize the education program with hopes of increasing interest in K-12 teaching careers. Thanks to a grant and other funding, WCC is stra-
Tourism: Funding From Page 2
“Late Fall and early Spring are slower seasons for Adventure Damascus Bicycles and Sundog Outfitter,” said Anna-Blake Wright, Co-Owner, Adventure Damascus. “Our Do It in Damascus campaign allows us to encourage families to explore the outdoors through bike riding and also venture through Damascus to other small businesses, restaurants, and rental properties in downtown and along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Not only will these marketing funds bring in more visitors to the trail, but we also hope they will allow us to show folks all of Adventure Damascus’s hiking gear, biking supplies, and oneof-a-kind souvenirs.” “Small businesses are the heart of our coastal community and the off-season months from the late fall to the early spring can be a challenge as visitation decreases,” said Emily Machen, Director of Marketing, Eastern Shore of Vir-
ginia Tourism Commission. “With this partnership, we are confident that we will support visitation to Virginia’s Eastern Shore during these months to bolster our businesses. This campaign will show our potential visitors just how special a week on the Shore can be and encourage them to reset, recharge, and soak in the beauty of Virginia.” VTC will have additional Marketing Program grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2024. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc. org/grants for more information. In Wytheville, the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau received $10,000. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm nabbed $5,000, and the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum took in $5,000. The Smyth County Chamber of Commerce received $10,000. The Lincoln Theatre in Marion nabbed $5,000. In Washington County,
Abingdon CVB, Round the Mountain and Friends of Southwest Virginia each received $10,000. Also in Abingdon, William King Museum of Art received $5,000 and Virginia Highlands Festival Inc. pulled in $5,000. Blue Hills Community Market in Abingdon received $5,000. The Historical Society of Washington County took in $4,300. Advanture Damascus Inc. in Damascus received $5,000. Tumbling Creek Cider Company in Meadowview received $5,000. In Bristol, Virginia, Believe in Bristol nabbed $10,000, and the Birthplace of Country Music received $5,000. Grayson County Tourism received $10,000. The City of Galax Tourism also got $10,000. In Floyd County, Floyd County Tourism received $6,000, the Floyd Country Store received $5,000 and Sweetwater Baking Company received $1,200. Pulaski County Tourism received $10,000.
tegically implementing virtual reality and up-to-date equipment in our programs. With the growing need for healthcare workers, WCC has implemented advancements in all its healthcare programs that will assist in graduating highly trained healthcare providers. WCC is also in the process of building a new Pharmacy Technology lab that will provide students with the latest equipment that mimics a state-of-the-art working pharmacy. WCC Workforce and Occupational Programs added a new facility in Marion, Virginia this year. WCC WEST (Workforce, Educa-
tion, Skills, Training) houses new technical programs such as automotive technology and off-road diesel training. High School Programs: WCC’s Dual Enrollment Program has also seen significant increases this fall, with a 17 plus percent increase from 2020. Students can earn college credits or an associate degree while in high school through concurrent enrollment in high school and in college. WCC also partners with the Wytheville Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce, Wythe and Bland County Public Schools, and area
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experience
manufacturing and healthcare industries to provide a Manufacturing Excellence Program and a Healthcare Excellence Program. These programs are designed to introduce high school students to a variety of careers, either in manufacturing or in healthcare. As part of the two programs, high school students tour and interact with the college’s programs, as well as the region’s healthcare and manufacturing facilities. Students gain practical experience and interact with professionals in their fields before participating in a graduation ceremony on WCC’s campus.
create
art | community | heritage
Live Demonstrations! Saturday from 3 – 6PM • gift shop with works from local artists • classes • private instruction • independent studio time WELCOME! We are a pottery studio and folk-art gallery in the Wytheville downtown historic district. The gift shop is filled with works from local artists. Visit our gallery for examples of local art and read about our featured artists.
420 E Main Street Wytheville, VA
Mission To bring the joy of creation to the local community. We invite travelers to experience the artistry and heritage of Appalachia.
276-240-0442
Open 11AM to 6PM M, W- Sat. laurelcreekpottery@gmail.com
