Aila Boyd
Roanoke County Public Schools and Carilion Clinic have announced a long-term partnership aimed at expanding career and technical education opportunities and strengthening the regional workforce pipeline, particularly in high-demand health care fields.
As part of the agreement, Carilion will invest approximately $1.25 million over the next five years to support medical instruction at the new Roanoke County Career and Technology Center, which is scheduled to open in early 2027. The funding will support the Campaign for Excellence, a capital campaign designed to create additional student opportunities, including scholarships for graduates pursuing careers in industries facing workforce shortages.
Construction on the $80 million center began in September 2024. When completed, the facility will feature more than 123,000 square feet of instructional space and will replace the Burton Center for Arts & Technology in Salem. The current center houses a Governor’s STEM Academy and programs in engineering, motorsports and welding, mass communication and graphic design, culinary arts, building trades, mechatronics and robotics, health sciences, cybersecurity and other career fields. Students from all five Roanoke County high schools attend the center to gain workforce skills and college preparation.
The new center will continue existing health science offerings and add a new dental assistant program. As part of the partnership, Carilion also will continue funding salaries for two teachers over the next five years.
The partnership builds on a decade of collaboration between the school division and Carilion. Health sciences instruction began at the Burton Center in 2016 with EMT classes supported by Jefferson College of Health Sciences, later Radford University Carilion. Nursing career classes were added in 2018, followed by radiological technician classes in 2022, both with Carilion’s support. Those radiological technician classes are currently being held at Carilion Children’s Pediatric Medicine–Tanglewood and will relocate to the new center once it opens.
“At Carilion, we’re committed to improving the health of the communities we serve. Collaborations like this are essential to that mission,” said Paul Hudgins, Carilion’s chief human resources officer. “This next chapter for Roanoke County and our region will further strengthen connections between education, training and real career opportunities for students right here in Southwest Virginia.”
Michelle Franklin, Carilion’s chief nursing officer, said the partnership will help develop future nurses and allied health professionals with strong ties to the region.
“It’s inspiring to see the next generation of care experts begin this journey and a privilege to be a part of their exploration and growth,” Franklin said.
Superintendent Ken Nicely said the school division is grateful for Carilion’s continued investment in students and health sciences education.
“We have long held the belief that education is a team process,” Nicely said. “It takes great teachers, great parents and great community partners to prepare great students — students that are opportunity ready and equipped with the skills, experiences and mindset they need for success.”
