Roanoke County Public Schools and Carilion Clinic partner to invest in future workforce and student opportunities
Roanoke, Virginia – A major investment aimed at shaping the future workforce in Southwest Virginia is taking form through a long-standing partnership between Roanoke County Public Schools and Carilion Clinic. Officials have announced a new commitment that will expand career training opportunities for students while addressing growing workforce shortages, especially in the health care field.
Carilion Clinic will invest approximately $1.25 million over the next five years to support medical instruction at the Roanoke County Career and Technology Center, also known as RCCTC. The new center is currently under construction and is expected to open in early 2027. This funding will directly support the Campaign for Excellence, a capital effort focused on expanding student opportunities and preparing graduates for high-demand careers.
The investment will help provide scholarships for RCCTC students who pursue careers in fields facing worker shortages, with a strong focus on health care. In addition to financial support, Carilion will also fund the salaries of two teachers for the next five years, ensuring that students have access to quality instruction and consistent guidance as they move through the program.
New center to expand training and opportunity
The RCCTC is a large-scale project with a price tag of $80 million. Construction began in September 2024, and once completed, the facility will offer more than 123,000 square feet of modern instructional space. The center will replace the current Burton Center for Arts and Technology in Salem, which has long served as a hub for career-focused education in the region.
Students from all five Roanoke County high schools currently attend programs at the Burton Center, gaining skills in a wide range of fields. These include engineering, welding, motorsports, graphic design, culinary arts, building trades, robotics, cybersecurity, and health sciences. The new RCCTC will continue these programs while expanding offerings to meet evolving workforce needs.
Health science programs will remain a key part of the curriculum. In addition to existing courses, the new center will introduce a dental assistant program, giving students even more options to explore careers in medical fields. Radiological technician classes, which are currently being held at Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine at Tanglewood, will also move into the new facility once it opens.
This partnership builds on years of collaboration between the school system and Carilion. Health sciences instruction first expanded at the Burton Center in 2016 with the introduction of EMT classes, supported by the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, later known as Radford University Carilion. Additional programs followed, including nursing career classes in 2018 and radiological technician training in 2022, both backed by Carilion.
Leaders say this continued cooperation is essential to meeting the needs of both students and the community. “At Carilion, we’re committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. Collaborations like this are essential to that mission,” said Paul Hudgins, Chief Human Resource Officer at Carilion. “This next chapter for Roanoke County and our region will further strengthen connections between education, training and real career opportunities for students right here in Southwest Virginia. By investing in these programs, we’re helping students to explore their passions, building a strong, sustainable pipeline of talent that will serve our region for years to come.”
Health care leaders also highlighted the importance of preparing local students to serve their own communities. “As the national demand for nurses and other allied health professionals grows, we believe that individuals who live here, learn here, and train here are deeply connected to their neighbors and committed to serving them,” said Michelle Franklin, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Carilion. “It’s inspiring to see the next generation of care experts begin this journey and a privilege to be a part of their exploration and growth.”
School officials expressed appreciation for the continued support and shared vision. “We are honored and grateful for Carilion’s continued support, not only for our health sciences curriculum, but also for their support of our school division and in providing opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools. He added, “We have long held the belief that education is a team process. It takes great teachers, great parents and great community partners to prepare great students – students that are opportunity ready and equipped with the skills, experiences, and mindset they need for success.”
With construction moving forward and investment secured, the new center is expected to play a major role in preparing students for real careers while strengthening the workforce across the region for years to come.
