PVCC Network2Work Initiative to Expand to Shenandoah Valley, Hampton Roads, Greater Richmond Regions - Program is Selected to Help Get More Virginians Back to Work

Charlottesville, Va. – October 7, 2020 – The Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) Network2Work initiative is expanding across the Commonwealth, as was announced Tuesday by Governor Ralph Northam. The expansion pilot will connect Virginia job seekers with the employment, training and support networks they need to be successful in the workforce. The initiative implements the Network2Work@PVCC framework, in operation since 2016 in the Charlottesville region, in three new locations in the Commonwealth – the Shenandoah Valley, Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond regions.

Network2Work brings together three key networks that lead to high-quality jobs and careers: employers, support service organizations, and a creative system of well-connected  recruiters in local communities. Individuals are identified through the Job Seeker Network, gain the training and skills needed through community college courses and workforce services training, are connected to quality jobs in high-demand industries through the Employer Network, and matched to additional wraparound supports through the Provider Network.

“Through this expansion we will be able to help more Virginians realize their full potential by providing them with the connections, training and support services they need to be successful in the workforce and in their communities,” stated PVCC Dean of Community Self-Sufficiency Programs Ridge Schuyler. “Our local employer network has grown from an initial four employers listing jobs to over 90, which combined are offering our job seekers over $9 million in available income,” he added.

Schuyler developed the Network2Work@PVCC framework. The Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce adopted the initiative at the urging of former CEO Tim Hulbert. The framework launched at the Chamber in 2014 and in 2016 PVCC President Frank Friedman worked with the Chamber to move Network2Work from the Chamber to PVCC in order to provide the infrastructure to enable the pilot initiative to grow and be sustainable. Network2Work was a first recipient of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s inaugural Strengthening Systems grant.

To learn more about Network2Work@PVCC visit www.pvcc.edu/network2work.

Read the official release from the Office of the Governor at www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/october/headline-860718-en.html.

About Piedmont Virginia Community College
Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia that comprise the Virginia Community College System. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential and excellence in all programs and services. Visit www.pvcc.edu.