New Roanoke County Career and Technology Center receives critical support from Alro Steel for student programs
Salem, Virginia – Alro Steel has made a significant investment in the future of technical education with a $200,000 contribution to the welding and motorsports program at the soon-to-open Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCTC). The center, which is currently under construction, is expected to open its doors in late 2026 or early 2027.
The funding will help strengthen and expand the existing program, providing students with new opportunities to gain valuable technical skills. For Alro Steel, this donation reflects a commitment to supporting education and industry partnerships. “The industry has seen a little bit of a struggle in terms of students actually having programs such as this to support them, so for us, when we see opportunities like this, we like to be a part of it and be able to invest in the future,” said Marlo Stevens, regional manager at Alro Steel.
Enhancing Student Opportunities
Educators welcomed the contribution as a major step in preparing students for real-world careers. “This donation from one of our industry partners is going to take our already high-performing welding and motorsports program and equip them with some of the best stuff that we can get for these students,” said Christian Kish, principal of the Burton Center for Arts & Technology and the soon-to-open RCCTC.
Kish added that Alro Steel’s support has been consistent over the years. “Alro Steel has supported us in many other areas as well. They’re always welcoming to our students when we go down to Charlotte and tour the motorsports-related companies near the speedway. We’re really appreciative that they’re a partner with us,” he said.
The investment ensures students will have access to advanced tools and equipment, helping them graduate better prepared to join the workforce in welding, motorsports, and other technical fields. For the community, the partnership highlights how collaboration between schools and industry can help shape a stronger workforce for the future.
