Virginia Workforce Association recognizes healthcare partnership. Virginia Western Community College > News from Virginia Western > Campus News > Virginia Workforce Association recognizes healthcare partnership Virginia Western Community College celebrates an award-winning healthcare program in the Roanoke Valley. The Virginia Workforce Association has named Carilion Clinic's Grow-Its-Own Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Program as recipient of the Talent Champion Award. Virginia Western and the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board collaborate with Carilion Clinic to operate the program. "The Virginia Workforce Association Talent Champion Award recognizes the power of partnership between Carilion Clinic and Virginia Western Community College," said Lauren Cumella, Healthcare Careers faculty member at Virginia Western. "I am proud to help students gain the skills and confidence needed to launch successful healthcare careers while strengthening the future healthcare workforce in our region. This award reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, and healthcare partners whose commitment to excellence makes a lasting impact on our community." The Grow-Its-Own MA-C Program offers cohorts three times each year - in March, July, and October. Applications are posted by Carilion Clinic approximately two months prior to the start of each cohort. Here is a news release from Carilion Clinic with more information about the partnership and award: ROANOKE, Va. - Carilion Clinic's Grow-Its-Own Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) Program has earned the Virginia Workforce Association's Talent Champion Award. The award recognizes employers that go beyond filling positions by making meaningful investments in workforce development, career advancement, and innovative partnerships that create opportunities for individuals while strengthening communities. "This achievement reflects the strong collaboration between our educational and workforce development partners, clinic leaders, preceptors and program participants," said Christine Ugron, ambulatory clinical educator at Carilion. "Together, we've created a pathway that helps people enter healthcare careers while helping meet the workforce needs of our region. This recognition demonstrates what is possible when organizations work together to remove barriers to opportunity, invest in workforce development and create meaningful career pathways." Carilion developed the Grow-Its-Own MA-C Program in collaboration with the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board and Virginia Western Community College. The program offers a unique "learn and earn" pathway that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, preparing participants for successful careers in healthcare. This program is part of Carilion's broader workforce development focus to invest in talent from within the communities it serves. Through targeted training, educational partnerships, and hands-on experience, the program helps individuals gain the skills needed to launch healthcare careers while supporting the long-term growth of the region's healthcare workforce. By connecting education, training, and employment, the program helps build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals prepared to serve patients across the region. The Virginia Workforce Association recognized Carilion's program for its innovative partnerships and exceptional outcomes, including a 100% certification pass rate, strong hiring and retention results, and a commitment to creating accessible pathways into healthcare careers. To learn more about career opportunities and workforce development programs at Carilion Clinic, visit CarilionClinic.org/careers. Post Views: 130

Community Foundation awards major grant to support Carilion Taubman Cancer Center. April 6, 2026 9:40 AM Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia announced on April 2, 2026, that it has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Carilion Clinic Foundation to support the addition of proton therapy at the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center. Proton therapy is the most advanced technology for treating pediatric cancers and complex tumors. Its addition to the Carilion Taubman Cancer Center will make Carilion's Roanoke facility a destination for cancer care. The closest proton therapy centers are currently in Fairfax and Hampton Roads, more than a three-hour drive away. "We are grateful to the Community Foundation and its many donors for their generosity that will benefit thousands of patients each year," said Mike Abbott, President of Carilion Medical Center. "With the support of dedicated partners like the Community Foundation, we can ensure our patients have access to the most advanced cancer care close to home." The Carilion Taubman Cancer Center, now under construction on Carilion's Riverside Campus in Roanoke, will dramatically improve access to cancer care for the region by doubling patient capacity, expanding access to advanced treatment options and broadening the range of clinical trials available. "This grant represents a significant investment in the health and future of Southwest Virginia, and the Community Foundation is honored to support a project that will bring lifesaving research and technology to the people who need it most," said Michelle Eberly, Director of Grants and Donor Engagement. The Carilion Taubman Cancer Center is expected to open in 2028. About Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia: Since 1988, Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia has enabled those who love the community to easily give back. The Foundation currently holds and administers over 400 funds established by individuals and families for the perpetual benefit of the community. Individuals interested in establishing their own personal or family legacy through an unrestricted endowment or any of the many other types of endowment funds offered by the Community Foundation should visit www.cfwesternva.org or call (540) 985-0204. About Carilion Clinic Foundation: The Carilion Clinic Foundation provides resources for equipment, programs and services that otherwise may not be possible. Philanthropic support from the community enhances Carilion Clinic's ability to provide excellence in health care and the patient experience. For more information, visit CarilionFoundation.org.