Abingdon, VA (10/16/2023) — Radford University and the Southwestern Virginia Higher Education Center are pleased to extend an invitation to you for the highly anticipated 2023 Classroom to Career Cybersecurity Summit, taking place on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The primary goal of this summit is to enhance collaboration among regional businesses, K12 institutions, local governments, and workforce development agencies, with the aim of improving opportunities for rural students and fostering regional economic development. This will be achieved by establishing career pathways aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand jobs.

During the summit, regional businesses will have the unique opportunity to:

• Contribute to Regional Career Pathway Development: Participate in the creation of a regional plan to develop career pathways for local high school students in cybersecurity, data science, GIS, and other IT-related fields.
• Forge Partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships with Radford University, the Southwestern Virginia Higher Education Center, and government agencies to support the career pathways.
• Enhance Collaboration: Gain insights into effective collaborations and engage in crucial discussions aimed at strengthening the IT workforce.
• Recruit Talent: Set up a vendor table to share your mission and recruit students graduating from local high schools and higher education institutions.

To secure your spot at this free event, please save the date and register today by visiting the following registration link: https://radford.nbsstore.net/making-an-impact-classroom-to-career-cybersecurity-summit

This summit has been made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant.

We eagerly anticipate your participation in this collaborative effort to improve outcomes for rural students by creating promising career pathways.

About Radford University:

Radford University is a comprehensive public university that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 76 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines, two associate degrees, and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 28 master's programs in 23 disciplines and six doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 17 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,100 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

About Southwestern Virginia Higher Education Center:

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (Higher Education Center), located in Abingdon, Virginia, is the first multi-college and university institution of higher education in the Commonwealth. Established as a State Agency in 1991, the Higher Education Center partners with public and private colleges and universities to provide degree programs, certificates, and professional development courses. A variety of learning options and class times are available ranging from face-to-face instruction in the daytime and evening to online study any time.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Justin Ward
Director of Media Services
Jward53@radford.edu
(540) 831-1953

Contact Information:

Dr. Matt Dunleavy
Email: mdunleavy@radford.edu
Phone: (540) 808-5987

Event Details:

Date: November 9, 2023
Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, 1 Partnership Cir, Abingdon, VA 24210