Join

College, business leaders, to tour Woodbridge data center program

The Workforce Education Center at Northern Virginia Community College in Woodbridge.

Wednesday, March 23, is National Data Center Day. The event will be marked with a tour of the Workforce Development Center at Northern Virginia Community College Workforce Development Center.

College President Dr. Anne Kress, campus provost Dr. Sam Hill, as well as officials from the Association for Career and Technical Education National Association of Home Builders will be on hand.

Buddy Rizer, a Baltimore rock radio DJ turned Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, will also be there. Loudoun is the center of the internet, with more data centers in the county than anywhere globally.

NOVA offers a course in data center operations at its Woodbridge campus. The program prepares students for an entry-level position in data centers or companies that support data centers that function as technicians or operators.

According to Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Ann Wheeler, the program has 75 students, 24 of whom have already been hired into the data center industry.

On March 11, Wheeler reported Virginia Senator Tim Kaine won $5.1 million to support the expansion of Northern Virginia Community College’s Data Center Operations degree and certificate programs to the Woodbridge campus.

The $29 million Workforce Development Center on the Woodbridge Campus opened in 2019. The 55,000 square-foot facilities visible from Neabsco Mills Road were made possible by a partnership with the College, Prince William County, and state officials. Prince William County provided $1 million in funding, and the state gave $28 million in funds.

NOVA is the second-largest college in Virginia, behind Liberty University, which has the highest enrollment in the state. The Woodbridge Campus sits at 2645 College Drive.

In recent years, Prince William County leaders have been looking to take a page from Loudoun’s book, and a piece of the data center pie. A proposed Prince William Digital Gateway project, 2,130 acres, more than 800 times larger than Potomac Mills mall, near the Manassas Battlefield National Park, would be the home for data centers in the county.

Later this year, the Board of County Supervisors is expected to decide whether to update its comprehensive, long-range land-use plan to accommodate the project. Several data center companies have already taken interest and filed applications to rezone the land to build new campuses.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list