New College Institute is to be a premier center of learning that provides access to academic degrees, credentials, non-credential, hands-on-training, and professional learning experiences in high quality learning environments to prepare students for regional and statewide career opportunities and participation in collaborative, positive community change, promoting regional economic prosperity and community transformation.

New College Institute will provide the best of both traditional and innovative postsecondary education through academic and workforce partnerships that are defined by creative thinking and problem-solving--all designed with the ultimate goal of being responsive to the current and future needs of employers in our region and beyond.

• Enable students in the Martinsville-Henry County region to complete college and advanced degree programs that will provide them with enhanced life opportunities.


• Provide advanced certifications and training that will enable the people of the region to increase the skill levels most relevant to their careers.


• Provide students with the support that will enable them to achieve excellence.


• Work collaboratively with community colleges, four-year institutions, business and nonprofit partners to provide effective and cost-efficient access to higher education.


• Increase the percentage of adults with college degrees in the Martinsville-Henry County area and the commitment to higher education among the area’s citizens.


• Make a positive contribution to the region’s economic development strategy.


• Serve the broader community through K-12 collaborations, college student internships, adult education, and community programming.


• Be inclusive in its access and outreach.

Since establishment, New College Institute (NCI) is recognized throughout the Southern Virginia region for the vibrant, innovative and collaborative workforce training, higher education and life-long learning programs offered by NCI and its partner universities that align with the long-term economic development strategies of the region.  NCI is focused on relationships that lead to the facilitation of learning as it continues to serve as a hub for learning opportunities and talent development.

General information about the ongoing status of the agency:

-  New College will continue to expand and promote education & workforce training opportunities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

-  New College will build upon public/private partnerships.

-  New College will aggressively pursue opportunities to offer the most affordable post-secondary options in the Commonwealth.

 VITA does not provide IT services to NCI, however, VITA provides support for the agency in documenting NCI's Business Requirements for Technology.

New College's workforce is faced with an evolving technological environment and is prepared to work such an environment.  Training will be provided to all employees and faculty on all new technology that is implemented at New College.  New College will also frequently test new technology products at the staff and faculty level to determine the best products for program delivery and work efficiency.

New College has developed a plan for succession planning.  This plan consists of enhanced training model for new employees to include technology and experiential learning experiences, existing back-up plan for each position with competencies & KSA’s, and continue to provide professional development opportunities for current staff for retention and succession.

When New College was established as a state agency in 2006, the decision was to utilize buildings in Uptown Martinsville.  Currently, New College leases two buildings, which have been renovated and constructed.  The two buildings are the King Hall (classrooms), and the Fayette Laboratory building.  Management of these leased spaces is between New College and the Department of Real Estate Services (DRES).  In 2021, the Commonwealth purchased the Baldwin building, constructed in 2014, that was previously leased, on behalf of New College.  This is the largest building that New College occupies with approximately 52,000 square feet.  

There are several risk factors that could impact the agency:

• Declining enrollment in region K-12 and VCCS partner.


• K-12 pipeline of students that are not academically qualified for advanced levels of math and other courses.


• Partner Institutions costs may be prohibitive to expanding programs to New College.


• Online offerings.


• Increase in tuition/fees from Partner Institutions exceed student ability to pay.


• Inability to meet technical upgrades and deferred maintenance of existing technology throughout NCI site offerings.


• Partnership model means that New College is dependent on the speed and willingness of partner to be responsive.


• Any local, regional or statewide partnerships that are not willing to continue due to various reasons.


• Population to meet workplace demands.

New College receives a general fund appropriated amount to expend on staff, academic related expenses to include marketing, facilities lease, facility operations, utilities, repair and maintenance, administrative and operating costs, IT service and equipment, and travel.

New College continues to pursue public and private capital and operating grants to support the key strategic initiatives of New College.  The non-general fund amount is an estimate of potential fund revenues for the year.

New College Institute's programs are supported by a variety of funding sources including general fund support, program fees and grant funds.  New College continues to actively seek alternative funding support for its programming development.

• Since opening in 2006, the local educational attainment rate has risen from 6.4% to 17.35% as an average for Henry County and Martinsville (US Census).


• 500 total number of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees earned to date.


• 255 non-credit workforce certifications in 2023-2024.


• NCI utilizes approximately 65,000 square feet of academic space.


• Outreach & K-12 activities made 7,508 contacts in the 2023-2024 year.


• New College has 29 FTE appropriated, with 15 currently filled.

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New College, via its partner institutions, provides access to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate/endorsement programs at its Martinsville facilities.

New College offers academic programs in high demand feels due to industry needs and shortages.

New College currently provides and will provide noncredit training opportunities within each of the academic areas of focus to include:

• Wind Turbine Technician Training (GWO certification)


• Telemental Health Trianing (certification)


• CNC Training Opportunities


• Broadband Training


• Manufacturing Apprenticeship

In addition, New College provides a myriad of community outreach services in the region, as well as information for young people about college enrollment and the importance of higher education.  As well as outreach activities to support pipeline development in K-12 to meet the needs of various careers locally, regionally, and throughout the Commonwealth.

New College has stayed the course to constantly respond to industry and community needs while working toward overall goals.  Over the last year, New College has focused its direction to meet current and future educational needs.  In response to needs within the Commonwealth for deployment of internet to rural areas, NCI has partnered to deliver Fiber Optic Technician training certification.  

Since establishment, New College has successfully assisted 500 students in attaining bachelor and master degrees since 2006-2007.  NCI's outreach educators have made at least 5,000 contacts annually with students and families to encourage student retention through the 12th grade and to promote college attendance, workforce training opportunities, and career awareness.

In addition, New College is striving to diversify and sustain funding sources and programs.  Programs that are reflecting a success and resulting in high interest from industries are Wind Technician Training (GWO) and Fiber Optic Training:

1.  New College  partners with GoFroe to provide Certified Fiber Optic Technician training. This training is with the Fiber Optic Association , Inc which is a nationally recognized creditional. This training provides support for the Commonwealth's fiber installation to all rural areas throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2.  New College has worked diligently to become a Global Wind Organisation certification delivery training center.  New College provides training in Basic Technical Training and Basic Safety Training with Sea Survival for Wind Technicians.  This program is marketed nationally and meets training needs of the Commonwealth's offshore wind project. 

With the strong relationship between economic growth and education, providing educational opportunities for Virginia citizens will, in turn stimulate economic growth. This aligns with the goal of the Commonwealth of Virginia to elevate the levels of educational preparedness and attainment of our citizens and to be a national leader in the preservation and enhancement of our economy.

Workforce Training
The Center of Advanced Manufacturing will provide advanced levels of hands-on, innovative education, access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology, enable design prototyping and testing capabilities for students and industry partners in order to meet the regional and statewide skills gaps in engineering and manufacturing.

Offers GWO Wind Turbine Technician certification training and Fiber Optic Technician Training certification as part of workforce credentialing and demand needs.

Academics
New College will offer a full range of academic and professional development opportunities in response to employment demands and shortage areas.

• Continue to provide and increase educational opportunities for bachelor's, master's and certificate attainment.

• Increase the number of workforce trainings offered in the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and other non-credit trainings.

• Continue to offer Telemental Health training.

• Initiate strategic recruitment efforts targeting K-12, VCCS, and adults with associate degrees in the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission footprint.

Programs offered at New College and through New College to educate students of all ages to realize their potential and know that post-secondary education is possible. This aligns with the goal of the Commonwealth of Virginia to elevate the levels of educational preparedness and attainment of our citizens and to be a national leader in the preservation and enhancement of our economy.

Staff members conduct programs throughout the community regarding career exploration, K-12 STEM activities/programs, college access, financial aid, academic preparation, internships, and other topics of relevance to promote post-secondary educational attainment as well as all that is offered at New College.

• Partnering with K-12 schools, community colleges, and local organizations to support activities encouraging college and career aspirations, planning, and preparation.

• Offering extra-curricular experiential learning opportunities for middle and high school aged students.

• Provide academic, career and financial aid counseling for New College students as well as students pursuing degrees at partner institutions of post-secondary education.

• Provide workshops, boot camps, and competitions to increase awareness of career opportunities within all four focus areas.

• Provide students and individuals with a resource to test for their certification or licensure as needed to complete their education or training through NCI's Testing Center that partners with Pearson Vue to include PRAXIS and CLEP.

The New College Institute has only one service area, postsecondary education access. Thus, background information for the service area mirrors the information contained in the agency’s strategic plan.

Because there is only one service area in this agency, the purpose of the service area is the same as the mission of the agency.  § 23-231.30

New College, via its partner institutions, provides access to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and certificate/endorsement programs at its Martinsville facilities.

New College offers programs in the following academic areas:

• Education and Community Leadership


• Health and Human Services


• Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing


• Technology and Cybersecurity

In addition, New College provides a myriad of community outreach services (advising, assistance in completing admission and financial aid forms) in the region, as well as information for young people about college enrollment and the importance of higher education.  As well as opportunities for students, prospective students, college students and current professional to perfect their education through experiential learning.

New College receives a general fund appropriated amount to expend on staff, academic related expenses to include marketing, facilities lease, utilities, repair and maintenance, administrative and operating costs, IT service and equipment, and travel.

New College continues to pursue public and private capital and operating grants to support the key strategic initiatives of New College.  The non-general fund amount is an estimate of potential fund revenues for the year.

The 2018 General Assembly provided and additional $600,000 each year in general fund appropriation to support academic programs and technology needs in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education.