Strategic partnerships Leverage recent collaboration announcements with local foundations and healthcare partners to position Laurel Ridge as a regional hub for workforce development and upskilling programs, enabling co-branded training initiatives and sponsored curricula.

Workforce programs Target employers in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions with tailored certificates and short courses, building on existing nurse aide, phlebotomy, and other workforce training expansions to address talent shortages in healthcare and service sectors.

Drones and tech Capitalize on the award-winning drones program to pursue industry sponsorships, facility tours, and custom applied-technology partnerships that can attract tuition, grants, and corporate training contracts for STEM workforce development.

Public funding cues Position Laurel Ridge as a cost-effective, multi-campus public option with potential access to state or regional funding, leveraging its status as a public institution serving eight localities to secure grant programs and workforce development dollars.

Community engagement Expand outreach to local organizations, libraries, theatres, and universities via joint programs and lab schools collaborations to create experiential learning offerings, internships, and talent pipelines for regional employers.