Central Virginia Times

Piedmont Virginia Community College Launches First Digital Development Academy Co-Developed with WillowTree

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) will launch a new Associate of Applied Science Degree Program (AAS) in Technical Studies-Software Development, co-created with WillowTree, in the 2023 spring semester which starts January 9. The two-year degree program will provide high school graduates and those seeking to advance in or change careers with the digital and data skills needed to fill current and emerging jobs in software development.

The new program builds talent for careers in software development, addressing specific job competencies needed by local, regional and national technology employers. Participants in the program are eligible for financial assistance through the College’s PVCC4U. 100%! tuition assistance program.

“Community colleges create a pipeline of talent for businesses in the communities we serve. We actively work with business and community partners to develop a strong regional workforce,” shared PVCC President Jean Runyon. “Our collaborative partnership with WillowTree will result in even stronger pathways to greater opportunities for our students and graduates.”

WillowTree is one of the largest employers of software developers in the region. "The technology industry in our region has come to rely on PVCC to provide high quality training to fulfill our workforce needs. As our demand for software engineers continues to grow, we approached PVCC to develop a program that would meet both our immediate and emergent needs and further our commitment to being a valued community partner. Planning for this degree began in the fall of 2021 and we are proud to announce it today as an offering to both future students and employers in the region. We are certain this will open many doors for participants and enhance the technology industry in Virginia,” said Tobias Dengel, CEO of WillowTree.

PVCC has set the standard for excellence in several fields, serving more than 280 students enrolled in computer science and information technology programs annually. All IT programs are created through initial discussions with local employer partners and subsequent discussions with the Information Technology Advisory Board which has representation from the largest IT employers in the region. 

The development of this particular AAS degree has been a highly collaborative effort between PVCC and WillowTree and incorporates WillowTree’s overall input and feedback on job competencies, curriculum and training. 

To learn more about the Associate of Applied Science degree in Technical Studies-Software Development visit www.pvcc.edu/programs/technical-studies-software-development. Registration for the upcoming spring semester, including the new AAS program, is now open. Visit www.pvcc.edu/pvcc4u100 to get started. 

Original source can be found here