From Momentum to Impact: Advancing Opportunity
Thursday, April 16th, 2026Sue Liberman, President, welcomed everyone and introduced the SSV Board. SSV Director, Dr. Frank Friedman shared an introduction of the speaker…
Dr. Jean Runyon, President of Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) since 2022. PVCC is one of 23 community colleges in Virginia, forming the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). The system was created in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s to provide college access – within one hour’s drive – to all Virginians. PVCC celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.
The VCCS is pursuing an important goal of 300,000 Virginians attaining meaningful credentials by 2030. PVCC is addressing access, completion and community impact as their strategic focus…Momentum 2030. In the 2024-2025 academic year, PVCC served 8,336 students, with 6,747 pursuing credit work. This includes 2,013 high school students in the dual credit program (earning high school and college credit while in high school), and 146 students in the prison education credit program. Another 707 students worked towards workforce credentials and 882 students pursued their GED through adult basic education and English as a Second Language studies.
PVCC offers more than 40 programs (20 in health care), with 388 part time and fulltime faculty. 17% of all students are over 30 years old. In 2024-25, 743 students graduated from PVCC and 869 earned workforce credentials. Plus, those dual enrollment classes saved families $2,599,040 – as dual enrollment college classes are FREE to high school students.
1 in 5 area high school graduates enroll at PVCC. And save 66% or more when compared to four-year college/university tuition, like UVA. PVCC students who complete their associate degree are guaranteed admission to Virginia public colleges and universities. PVCC is #2 among the community colleges in the number who transfer to UVA. 46% of All college undergraduates in Virginia are enrolled at the 23 community colleges.
1 in 3 employees in Central Virginia have attended PVCC.
2 in 3 businesses in Central Virginia employee a former PVCC student
80% of PVCC graduates stay in the community
Fast Forward is a statewide program and Network2Work is a PVCC program that support individuals seeking local employment. Fast Forward provides a student with an industry credential, such as CDL or welding Network2Work supports the whole student toward the goal of higher wage positions and self-sustainability.
TJ ACE, the adult education/GED program, is moving back to the main campus this year. 97% of graduates are employed within 6 months of completing their educational goal…and 88% are employed in jobs in their field.
PVCC receives around one-half of its budget from student tuition, 36% from the State and 14% from grants and other sources. A key component of the budget is the PVCC Foundation, which provided $6 million in scholarships and funding this year.
As a part of Momentum 2030, PVCC is addressing the fact that 18% of first-time college students leave PVCC with no college credits. They have determined that the challenges students have with math and English classes play a large role. The PVCC Foundation stepped forward and is supporting supplemental instruction to increase student success in these gateway classes. And, increase their progress towards that degree or credential.
May 11th is the 53rd graduation…everyone is invited!
To learn more about PVCC, visit: https://www.pvcc.edu/ and to learn about the opportunity for seniors to audit classes at no cost!, OR qualify for tuition waiver to receive credit for the class, visit: https://www.pvcc.edu/senior-citizens
We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!
May 13th – Virginia Assembly Update: Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate Amy Laufer
June 10th – Charlottesville Area Alliance on Age-Friendly Community
No Program in July
We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!
May 13th – Virginia Assembly Update: Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Katrina Callsen, and Delegate Amy Laufer
June 10th – Charlottesville Area Alliance on Age-Friendly Community
No Program in July