Thousands of residents across the commonwealth turn to community colleges for training and education. Approximately 249,295 students took at least one credited course during the 2007-08 academic year – the equivalent of 101,899 students enrolled full time.

Students can transfer associate degrees or land high-paying jobs right out of school. “What sets us apart from four-year institutions of higher learning is that we place an emphasis on industry-relevant high-tech skills that can be learned in a short period of time,” said Dr. J. Mark Estepp, president of Southwest Virginia Community College.