STUART – On Tuesday, Patrick Henry Community College held a ribbon-cutting event for a new training facility in Patrick County.
The celebration was hosted at the college’s new Patrick County $170,000 expansion site located at 221 Wood Brother’s Drive in Stuart.
The new space, which is directly across the street from the college’s current Patrick County facility, will enable the college to expand its offerings for Patrick County students.
"The plans for the expansion were largely guided by local business leaders and county officials, to ensure that the facility would offer precisely the career and industry-growing training opportunities the county needs," a press release stated.
This 5,000-square-foot expansion is the result of a four-way partnership between PHCC, the Town of Stuart, the PHCC Foundation, and the Patrick County Education Foundation.
The new space is equipped with $300,000 worth of new mechatronics equipment thanks to a state grant.
The renovation costs, the equipment, and the lease are all funded through grants and via private donations with the help of the Patrick County Education Foundation.
With the new space and equipment, the college will offer programs like Electrical Groundsman, Commercial Driver License, and Mechatronics.
According to PHCC, these programs are in high demand in Patrick County and require less time and money than a traditional degree.
For students who are seeking a traditional degree, the original Patrick County site will continue to offer many general education courses.
A student could complete an entire general education associate degree without ever having to leave the county, according to PHCC.
“This new facility is the result of years of partnerships and collaboration among entities who are seeking to enhance employment and economic opportunities for the citizens of Patrick County. Whether someone is looking for a transfer degree, a technical degree, or a short-term workforce training leading directly to employment, the person will have to look no further than PHCC’s expanded site in Patrick County,” Greg Hodges, PHCC’s Vice President for Academic and Student Success Services, said.
Hodges also serves as the Executive Director of the Patrick County Education Foundation.
