Career & technical education

Federal Grant Award Summary

Blue Ridge Community and Technical College received a $1.27M Project Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The award funds the expansion of plastics manufacturing training and development of a veterinary technician training program designed to create approximately 345 skilled technician positions. The initiative targets dislocated workers, youth, and individuals in recovery across West Virginia's rural communities, aligning with ARC's strategic objectives to increase resident education, skills, and employment readiness in the Appalachian region.

The college, supported by sub-awards from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, delivers comprehensive workforce development services including career and technical education curriculum development, direct training instruction, and supportive services for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients across its three-county service area in Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson Counties. This award complements the institution's broader portfolio of federal workforce development funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Education, and Economic Development Administration, positioning Blue Ridge Community and Technical College as a regional hub for skills training and economic mobility initiatives in West Virginia.