Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

“I loved my time as a student at AET because of the hands-on learning that the program provides. Students are treated with respect and the staff is extremely attentive and helpful. This program provided a work-life balance that allowed me to continue an extensive list of extracurriculars and receive college credit. I have made many amazing friends and professional connections that have helped me prepare for my future career through internships. AET is a wonderful program that benefits all students who enroll.”

“We want our students to have as many pathways as possible. I don’t want young people to think they’re pigeonholed into a certain occupation. Young people need to be able to dream and have a vision. That’s why Martinsville City Schools brings our students to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo every year.”

“Over the years, we’ve gotten kids from the career expo that went on to be firefighters with the city.”

“We have had several students who came through here and ended up coming through our program. Anybody we can get enrolled is a huge success for us.”

“The Career Expo showed me there are a lot of career options to choose from and things that are fun.”

“We’re trying to show students that manufacturing can be fun and that there’s a mission behind it.”

“It’s good for me to see the students happy. They come to our table smiling, wanting to learn. We show them our hands-on demo, and they think it’s extremely cool.”

“Career ChoICE is my favorite event. I enjoy seeing the middle-schoolers and the high-schoolers engage with companies, businesses and organizations. It is hands-on. They get to experience, ask questions and learn more.”

“We come every year because of the impressions we can make on students before they make career choices. This is a pivotal time in their lives.”

“The IALR Conference Center has been essential to the success of the CEA Summit East. The Center’s flexible meeting and gathering spaces, solid A/V and tech support, and great food help us create a welcoming environment for growers, researchers and industry leaders — but it’s the people who make the biggest difference. The IALR team is incredibly supportive, adaptable and committed to making every detail shine.”

“Each week ran smoothly, with positive feedback from attendees about the comfortable classroom, dynamic seating for lectures and group activities, and outstanding meals. I never had to worry about logistics! The IALR team handled everything, allowing me to focus on the content. I highly recommend IALR for anyone seeking a worry-free, well-supported event experience.”

“Each group took a different pathway and solution to the problem. I thought what all the groups pitched was phenomenal.”

“They exceeded our expectations, delivering well-researched solutions with a clear understanding of the problem and how to address it. We plan to implement some of the ideas the students presented. The experience delivered a positive return on investment for our organization.”

“We were very pleased from start to finish. Ellen was phenomenal and Audia picked right up after that. The setup crew was patient and accommodated everything we requested with a smile. The waitstaff was professional, always available and the food was delicious. The IT department was extremely helpful and stayed late to ensure everything ran smoothly. It was a phenomenal event!”

“Our team has been repeatedly blown away by the professionalism, helpfulness and quality of the staff and facilities at the IALR Conference Center.”

“Year after year, IALR has been excellent to work with. They have always been helpful and friendly and made our annual events there a huge success.”

“You couldn’t ask for better hands-on service. The IALR Conference Center has great team dynamics, great follow-up, and outstanding, world-class service.”

““Our goal isn’t just to produce engineers but to equip students with transferable skills that benefit them in any career. When our students find the right pathway for them, that’s success.””

“Our team has been repeatedly blown away by the professionalism, helpfulness, and quality of the staff and facilities at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research Conference Center.”

“The support and investment the elected officials have demonstrated complement the emphasis they have placed into developing a skilled workforce starting at the high school level, networking world class university level engineering programs, and supporting industry changing research at facilities such as CCAM and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. This provides us with complete confidence that our only option is success in Virginia.”

“ATDM’s ability to refine and scale to meet our urgent workforce needs is crucial to building America’s submarine fleet. Together, we’re not just training workers, we’re securing America’s maritime future.”

“I have enjoyed learning about the captivating things IALR carries out while learning invaluable soft skills to prepare for professional situations.”

“The EmPOWER framework has been instrumental in connecting Sovah Health with our local students to showcase the breadth of healthcare career opportunities available right here in our community.”

“The word “opportunity” epitomizes the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. IALR is a place where students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs are actively working together to reach their full potential. IALR provides the ecosystem where discovery, innovation and commercialization is nurtured and celebrated. The leadership of IALR are invested in providing opportunities for community, K-16 and corporate engagement that will lead to the transformation of the region. Virginia Tech is proud to partner with the Institute in this bold endeavor.”

“Pittsylvania County Public Schools greatly appreciates the partnership established with the Advanced Learning Department of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. This department provides many STEM opportunities for teachers and students to extend learning and explore new areas.”