New River Community College (NRCC) recently received the Gerald L. Baliles Rural Virginia Horseshoe Initiative (RVHI) Award from the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) to help close the educational attainment gap between the Rural Horseshoe region and the state at large. Named for the 65th governor of Virginia, the award honors Baliles’ legacy of promoting educational accessibility. The primary goals of the RVHI program are to reduce the number of rural residents without a high school diploma and to increase the number of rural residents with an associate degree, diploma, or certificate.
“Rural Virginia needs a targeted investment to take care of its next generation so the entire Commonwealth can prosper,” said Stewart Roberson, VFCCE’s board chair.
Each of the 11 colleges that received this funding proposed unique strategies that align with the goals of the RVHI. RVHI programs will serve a diverse range of high school students and adults from underserved and underrepresented populations.
NRCC’s award will be used to continue funding a student resources specialist staff position. This position is housed in the Student Services department and provides direct student support by engaging current and future NRCC students as they navigate the college process, from consideration to completion.
“This award will allow us to continue funding this position that helps support the needs of so many of our students by connecting them with valuable college resources on campus and community resources off campus,” said NRCC President Pat Huber.
This position also supports the college’s student food pantries in Dublin and Christiansburg, a much-needed resource for many area students. The food pantries provide grab-and-go snack and meal options for all students. Students who have any questions about the food pantry or need help accessing other resources can reach out to the Student Services Office at (540) 674-3677 or [email protected].
By investing in rural education, the VFCCE is working with Virginia’s Community Colleges to promote opportunities to pursue higher education and a more equitable Commonwealth.
The NRCC Educational Foundation will be providing matching funds through local efforts. To help support this effort or to donate funds to support to the food pantry, visit www.nr/edu/foundation or call (540)674-3618.
