Nuclear Technologies Initiative
Priming the Pipeline
Mission
Under this National Science Foundation (NSF) award, Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) will provide students in the region’s middle schools and high schools with the relevant Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills needed to have a successful career in the nuclear energy support technologies industry, and provide the middle school and high school teachers in the region with the resources and professional development opportunities needed to successfully teach these STEM skills. This project will contribute to the economic strength of the region, and eventually to the state and the nation, by strengthening the critical STEM workforce skills required by the nuclear energy industry.
Vision
CVCC will be a national center for energy production and transmission technologies that provides and promotes a comprehensive educational continuum from middle school through four-year universities throughout the nation for students entering the energy production and transmission industry.
Outcomes
Preparatory and educational opportunities at the middle school and high school level in support of nuclear energy technologies will be improved.
Awareness of career options in nuclear energy technologies among students in middle and high school will be increased.
Objectives
- A minimum of 300 high school juniors and seniors annually dual-enrolled in CVCC’s AAS degree in nuclear support technologies;
- A minimum of 90% of dual-enrolled students will demonstrate competencies keyed to industry standards;
- A minimum of six (6) students employed as interns each year;
- The percentage of minority students in the program will reflect the percentage of minorities in the region;
- The percentage of women enrolled in the program will increase each year;
- Ten (10) middle and high school teachers will earn credit in related math, science and engineering areas each year;
- A minimum of 200 students will be annually assessed using WorkKeys and the college Compass test and plans will be developed to address gaps;
- A minimum of 70% of students impacted by this project will pass the relevant Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments.
Key Strategies
 STEM Demonstration
- Develop and deliver module demonstrations in related math, science and engineering fields to middle and high schools. Modules will reinforce STEM skills and promote careers in STEM areas (minimum of 12 modules, 24 presentations, 480 students)
- Cross match STEM related skills to Virginia SOL
- Professional development opportunities for teachers in related fields
Summer Academies
- Develop and offer 6 - 7 summer academies in STEM related areas for teachers and students
Assessment/Profiling
- Assessment for STEM, manufacturing and nuclear energy support technologies related skills and abilities
- Utilize assessment results to develop plans to address skills gaps
Dual Enrollment
- Utilize dual-enrollment opportunities in related courses and areas
- Develop and/or adapt application-based courses to support the AAS Degree in Nuclear Support Technologies
Internships
- A minimum of six (6) students will be selected each year from those in the dual enrollment program for paid internships with the industrial partners.
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Distance Education
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