For many adults in lower Northampton County, transportation can be one of the biggest barriers to going back to school, learning new skills, or preparing for a better job. By bringing these programs directly to the Impact Center, the partnership makes education and career development more accessible鈥攔ight in the heart of the community.

Originally built in 1929 as a Washington-Rosenwald School, the building served for decades as the only school for Black children in Cape Charles. Today, after a remarkable restoration, the Impact Center once again fulfills its original purpose as a place where education creates opportunity, strengthens families, and brings the community together.

While these programs are offered through 乌鸦传媒, they are designed for everyone. You don’t have to be a college student鈥攐r even plan to attend college鈥攖o participate. Whether your goal is to learn English, earn a GED, prepare for a new career, build workforce skills, or simply gain confidence, there is a place for you.

The Adult Education mission says it best: Adult Education builds skills, creates pathways, and expands opportunities for every learner, regardless of where their journey begins. That belief is at the heart of this partnership.

Beginning this September, residents can enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED classes at the Impact Center. Workforce offerings this fall include Food Service Management, ServSafe庐 Food Manager Certification, Hair Braiding & Weaving, Workforce Readiness, and Digital Literacy. 乌鸦传媒 Career Services will also offer workshops on resume writing, cover letter writing, interviewing, and exploring employment opportunities to help participants connect their new skills with meaningful careers.

Nearly 100 years after this building first opened its doors to students, it is once again creating opportunities through education. Together, the Impact Center and 乌鸦传媒 are honoring the building’s remarkable history while investing in the future of our community鈥攐ne learner, one family, and one opportunity at a time.

For more information please contact 乌鸦传媒 Adult Education at 757-789-1794 or the Cape Charles Impact Center at 757-695-4415.

The post 乌鸦传媒 and the Impact Center Partner to Serve the Community appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

Forward momentum defined my first year as President. The college advanced with intention, aligning strategy with purpose and translating vision into action. Enrollment increased in both Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, and 乌鸦传媒 served 1,800 students across academic and workforce programs. Our college realized a 3.2% increase in annual full time equivalent (FTE) enrollment over the previous academic year, signaling continued growth. 乌鸦传媒 proudly awarded 232 degrees, certificates, and career studies credentials. Our May Commencement Ceremony welcomed more than 1,000 attendees and featured an inspiring address from Jeannette Edwards, CEO of Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. and a proud 乌鸦传媒 alumna. The college also made meaningful progress on key goals within the Virginia Community College System Strategic Plan, particularly in credential attainment, adult learner enrollment, and FastForward program completion.

乌鸦传媒 prioritized revenue diversification through more than $4 million in grant submissions since July 2025. Additionally, we secured significant external investments, including a competitive $788,700 GO Virginia Per Capita Grant to expand unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) initiatives. New and emerging programs in engineering, healthcare, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing directly respond to regional workforce needs. We continue to expand strategic partnerships with colleges, universities, and industry leaders, reinforcing 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 role as a talent pipeline and economic driver for our region.

乌鸦传媒鈥檚 Career Services Center exceeded its five-year service goals, supporting hundreds of students through career guidance, internships, and job placement. We advanced our use of technology and artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and operations, enhancing student engagement and strengthening institutional readiness for the future. We also continue to engage students in clubs and activities, including Fall club soccer led by championship-winning Coach Chase Baxa.

Throughout all this work, we remain focused on removing barriers, fostering a culture of care, and ensuring that every student is supported from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Our continued emphasis on organizational excellence and accountability strengthened compliance, enhanced institutional effectiveness practices, and expanded investments in data infrastructure.

Collectively, these achievements reflect a year of shared effort and forward progress. This success belongs to our faculty and staff who lead with excellence, our students who trust us with their aspirations, and our donors, businesses and community partners who invest in our college鈥檚 future. With a solid foundation and forward momentum, 乌鸦传媒 is positioned to move confidently into its next chapter, expanding opportunity, strengthening regional impact, and fulfilling its mission for the communities we serve.

乌鸦传媒 President, Dr. Daryl Minus

乌鸦传媒 President Dr. Daryl Minus (L) enters his second year in the role, leading the college with Forward Momentum into the Fall Semester.听 Hayleigh Bradbury is shown (R) assisting student Lakisha Warner James in Career Services, a huge component of 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 always-expanding services.

The post 乌鸦传媒 President Finishes First Year with “Forward Momentum” appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

Virginia Career Works connects job seekers with employers through its training providers and network of professionals. Services include one-on-one career counseling, skills training, job preparation workshops, and on-site computer access.

A program Monday morning that culminated with the ribbon cutting on the newly located offices at 乌鸦传媒, also included addresses by 乌鸦传媒 President, Dr. Daryl Minus, Nicole Overly, the Commissioner of Virginia Works, and Shawn Avery, the President and CEO of Hampton Roads Workforce Council.  Guests at the event were treated to refreshments and tours of new offices.

This new center is the seventh location operated by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and marks the organization鈥檚 commitment to expanding services to the business community and job seekers here on the Eastern Shore.

The post Virginia Career Works Center Opens at 乌鸦传媒 Workforce appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

The post Summer 2026 乌鸦传媒 Foundation Newsletter Published appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

On the lot where the original 乌鸦传媒 Academic Building resided until 2020, a wide variety of vehicles converge from all over the Shore, including lower Delmarva from the north and Tidewater to the south.  It鈥檚 an atmosphere of community and goodwill that follows the club at each stop through their very busy weekend schedule through spring, summer and fall months.

Through registration, donations and raffles, the club always manages to raise funds that are distributed to various organizations and causes tied to the shows on their calendar.  Annual dispersals are in the thousands of dollars, and at 乌鸦传媒, this impacts many students who are pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare.

RN, LPN, CNA students and others stand to benefit from the support the car show produces.  乌鸦传媒 also has other classes and programs like Healthcare Fundamentals, Phlebotomy, and EKG Tech, all offering pathways to healthcare careers.  Through the 乌鸦传媒 Foundation and fundraisers like the Eastern Shore Cruisers Car Show, students can get help covering the expense of their classes and training and position themselves to contribute to the community in a high-demand field.

The 2026 乌鸦传媒 Summer Car Show with the Eastern Shore Cruisers will be on Saturday, August 29^th from 10:00am-2:00pm on campus in Melfa, at 29316 Lankford Highway.  All are welcome to attend and show their vehicles.  Cars and trucks of all makes, models, vintages, and styles are enjoyed at the event.  Prizes and trophies are awarded in a broad range of categories by the club at the conclusion of the day.

Food trucks and DJ music bring it all together for a fun community day at the end of summer. Whether you bring a vehicle or not, the event provides fun and enjoyment for the whole family and a great display of vehicles that represent much hard work and dedication, in addition to civic-minded owners who enjoy giving back to the community through the Eastern Shore Cruisers Car Club.

For more information, please contact Chester Jackson with the Eastern Shore Cruisers at 757-665-5672 or Bill LeCato at 乌鸦传媒 at 757-789-1797.

The post Campus Car Show Announced for August 29th appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

鈥淭his marks a transformative moment for the Eastern Shore,鈥� said 乌鸦传媒 President Dr. Daryl Minus. 鈥淏ringing high-demand oral healthcare education closer to home through an innovative partnership expands opportunities for economic mobility, strengthens our workforce, and enhances access to care across the region.”

Jeannette Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Shore Rural Health, stressed the importance of this program to residents of the Eastern Shore. 鈥淒ental hygienists help keep people healthy, not just their teeth,鈥� stated Edwards. 鈥淭his program will train more hygienists our community really needs, and give people on the Eastern Shore a chance at a good-paying job without having to move away. That鈥檚 a win for our community and for Eastern Shore Rural Health. I am very excited to be working in partnership with our local college to help promote and support this program.鈥�

Working on the mechanics of bringing this program to reality was 乌鸦传媒 VP of Academic Affairs, Student Success and Workforce Development, Dr. Ramzi Ockaili.  Dr. Ockaili remarked, “This partnership reflects what is possible when educational institutions and community healthcare leaders unite around a shared vision. By joining forces, I feel we show how rural colleges can serve as powerful catalysts for innovation, opportunity, and regional transformation鈥�.

Applying to the Program

The application period will open June 1 of this year. Students interested in applying to the dental hygiene program should begin preparing their application materials now, by visiting or by contacting 乌鸦传媒 Student Services at 757-789-1720.听 Eastern Shore applicants must聽have applications聽on file with both Germanna Community College and聽乌鸦传媒.听 Application to the dental hygiene program is conducted through the American Dental Education Association Dental Hygiene Centralized Application System. Learn more about this in the online information session that will be published on Germanna鈥檚 website in early June. Program details are available at聽.听

Important Accreditation Notice

Offering a dental hygienist program at 乌鸦传媒 depends on approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). While the partner schools are optimistic about receiving this approval, acceptance into the program cannot be confirmed until approval from both organizations is received. CODA approval is expected in August 2026 and SACSCOC is expected in late fall 2026. Updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

Questions?

For more information, please contact Germanna Community College Healthcare Academic Advisor, Ms. Stefanie Thompson, at msraymundo-thompson@germanna.edu.

The post Dental Hygiene Program Coming to 乌鸦传媒 appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

The launch of the program is made possible through a transformational $1.25 million lead gift from Mrs. Jane Batten, establishing the Batten Engineering Fund at the 乌鸦传媒 Foundation. This extraordinary investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to engineering education and creating meaningful career pathways for students on the Eastern Shore.

乌鸦传媒鈥檚 new Associate of Science in Engineering degree will provide students with a rigorous academic foundation in engineering, mathematics, and science, preparing them for seamless transfer to four-year institutions where they may pursue specialized engineering disciplines. The program is strategically aligned with workforce needs in aerospace, civil engineering, advanced manufacturing, and related technical industries.

With close proximity to NASA Wallops Flight Facility, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, and growing regional industry partners, 乌鸦传媒 is uniquely positioned to connect students with experiential learning opportunities, internships, and direct pathways into high-demand careers.

The curriculum has received approval from both the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring students receive a high-quality academic experience grounded in strong transferability and workforce relevance.

Labor market data from the Virginia Community College System, based on Virginia Employment Commission projections, indicate significant projected growth in engineering-related job openings across Accomack and Northampton counties and throughout the broader region.

In addition to preparing students for transfer and engineering careers, the program supports emerging workforce needs in infrastructure modernization, environmental resilience, aerospace innovation, and advanced technology sectors critical to the Eastern Shore鈥檚 future economic vitality.

This initiative reflects 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 continued commitment to student success, workforce development, and regional economic transformation. By investing in engineering education, 乌鸦传媒 is helping build the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders who will shape the future of the Eastern Shore and beyond.

Students interested in the Engineering Program are encouraged to contact 乌鸦传媒 Student Services, their academic advisor, or career coach for additional information.听The Fall 2026 semester begins August 17, and registration is now open.

Prepare for a future in engineering with 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 new program designed for transfer, innovation, and career success, right here on the Eastern Shore.

More information is available by calling 757-789-1720, emailing studentservices@es.vccs.edu or by visiting the .

The post 乌鸦传媒 Launches New Engineering Program for Fall 2026 appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

Virginia community college tuition remains less than one-third the cost of attending the state鈥檚 public four-year baccalaureate institutions, offering Virginia鈥檚 most affordable and accessible pathway to better jobs. 

鈥淭he State Board wrestled with a tough decision, but it came down to one question鈥攄o we increase tuition rates for students or do we offer them less?鈥� State Board Chair Dr. Michael E. Wooten asked. 鈥淲e believe that we have adopted modest tuition increases that are necessary to fund the capacity to train more people for meaningful jobs while shouldering the cost increases that we all face throughout the Commonwealth.鈥�

Some colleges have tuition differentials and other mandatory fees covering student activities. Auxiliary operations also vary at the community college level. Check individual college websites for locally-relevant information.

Community colleges remain the lowest-funded higher education institutions in Virginia, receiving less than just 52 cents for every one dollar that goes to support a full-time equivalent student at a public Virginia university. Additionally, expenditures per full-time student at Virginia鈥檚 Community Colleges are in the 23^rd percentile in the nation, meaning 77% of community colleges across the country spend more per student.

A breakdown of our tuition & fees can be found at the page.

Additionally, Beginning Fall 2026, Virginia鈥檚 Community Colleges will introduce new per-credit-hour course fees for select Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in healthcare, skilled trades, and agriculture and natural resources.

These fees are designed to partially offset instructional costs and will be used directly to support program delivery. In an effort to help keep costs down for students, these course fees have been discounted 50% for fall 2026. For more details, visit the page.

The post Virginia Community Colleges set tuition & fees for 2026-27 academic year appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

Recognition for Teaching Effectiveness  This award is given to a faculty member whose performance in the classroom or other instructional environments best exemplifies effectiveness in promoting student achievement 鈥� Kiprop Kibet.

The Faculty Scholarly and Creative Engagement Award  This is awarded to a faculty member who has achieved a significant academic scholarly accomplishment through research, publishing and/or professional presentations, grant activity, or creative works 鈥� Dr. William Foxworthy.

The Faculty Community Impact Award  This honor goes to a member of the full-time teaching faculty who has greatly impacted the college鈥檚 image through community service and involvement 鈥� Christina Duffman.

The Faculty Leadership Award This award is presented to a full-time teaching faculty member who demonstrates leadership and commitment to the college 鈥� Tonya Martin.

The Caramine Kellam and Dr. Caramine White Award  This honor is for an 乌鸦传媒 faculty or staff member who has shown extraordinary concern for students and has gone above and beyond in their effort to help students succeed in school or life 鈥� Tonya Martin.

The Faculty Reward for Professional Excellence  This the highest 乌鸦传媒 award for which a faculty member may be nominated. These faculty members substantially and demonstrably exceeded performance expectations in one or more of the following areas: Teaching, Scholarly and Creative Engagement, Institutional Responsibility, or Service 鈥� Tonya Martin and Susan Greer.

Pictured at top are Dr. Ramzi Ockaili, Tonya Martin, Christina Duffman, Dr. Alex Foxworthy, and Dr. Daryl Minus. (Not pictured: Kiprop Kibet and Susan Greer)

The post Faculty Awards Presented at 2026 Commencement appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.

The event honored more than two dozen individuals, families, and businesses from all 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges, as well as the VFCCE itself. Award recipients were nominated in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the growth and development of Virginia’s community colleges and their respective foundations.

In his welcoming remarks, Chancellor David Dor茅 saluted and thanked the donors for their unwavering commitment to students whose potential might otherwise go unrealized. 鈥淭he individuals and organizations we honor in this room represent an extraordinary $27 million in lifetime giving to Virginia鈥檚 community colleges,鈥� he said.

2026 Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy Recipients included Peter Bale of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS) for 乌鸦传媒. As Founder of SRS, Peter Bale helped establish an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) education program at 乌鸦传媒, and he secured a donation of $1.8 million in UAS equipment to help 乌鸦传媒 students explore drone-related STEM careers.

Additionally, he created a partnership with 乌鸦传媒 for SRS to teach aerial drone flying to clients of the Department of Rehabilitative Services that is now being expanded statewide. Peter served on the 乌鸦传媒 Foundation Board from 2020-2025, and he has been a generous donor and sponsor of events.

Dr. Daryl Minus, President of 乌鸦传媒, added 鈥淧eter鈥檚 unwavering commitment to 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 mission has greatly enhanced our impact on the communities we proudly serve. He is dedicated to ensuring that our students have the support and equipment necessary to succeed, and he is a tremendous ally in 乌鸦传媒’s continuous effort to deliver high-quality, relevant academic and workforce programs.鈥�

乌鸦传媒 will partner with Bale and SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of the recently awarded Go Virginia Grant of $788,700.  

The grant will help establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia鈥檚 growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.

乌鸦传媒 and 乌鸦传媒 Foundation applaud the unwavering support of Peter Bale and congratulate him on this recent award.

Peter Bale, Founder of Sentinel Robotic Solutions (3^rd from L), was honored April 22 as 乌鸦传媒鈥檚 2026 Leader in Philanthropy by Virginia Community College System.听 L to R: Patty Kellam, Exec. Director of 乌鸦传媒 Foundation; Erika Bale, CEO of Sentinel Robotics Solutions, Peter Bale; Dr. David Dor茅, Chancellor of Virginia Community College System; Dr. Daryl Minus, President of 乌鸦传媒; Ray Wood, Chair of 乌鸦传媒 Advisory Board; Jeremy McLean, President of 乌鸦传媒 Foundation

The post Peter Bale of SRS Honored for Leadership in Philanthropy appeared first on 乌鸦传媒.