News

LEAD SWVA
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UVA Wise is Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Cohort of LEAD SWVA

LEAD SWVA is a seven-month experiential program that runs from May through November that brings together professionals from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
February 20, 2026
Sydney Boggs
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UVA Wise Appoints Alumna Sydney Boggs as GO Virginia Region 1 Program Director

As Region 1 program director, Boggs will represent UVA Wise as the support organization lead, providing coordination for the state program and working closely with members of the GO Virginia Region 1 Council.
February 13, 2026
Hatch participants
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UVA Wise and Dickenson County Partner on Startup Bootcamp Cohort at Dickenson County Business Incubator

The new startup bootcamp cohort reflects a shared commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship, small business growth and local economic opportunity across Southwest Virginia.
February 10, 2026
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Application Period Now Open for the Cumberland Forest Community Fund, Advancing Nature-Based Community and Economic Development in Southwest Virginia

Since its establishment in 2022, the Community Fund has invested $480,000 in 35 community projects focused on outdoor recreation, workforce development, renewable energy, trail and tourism infrastructure, habitat restoration, cultural assets and other com
January 16, 2026
LEAD SWVA cohort members
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UVA Wise Celebrates Graduation of Inaugural LEAD SWVA Cohort

The seven-month program brought together community-minded professionals from across Southwest Virginia to Learn, Engage, Aspire and Deliver.
December 8, 2025
CO.STARTERS participants
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CO.STARTERS by Hatch Accelerator Cultivates Local Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit

The entrepreneurial momentum in Southwest Virginia continues to build as the fifth CO.STARTERS cohort wraps up a successful program marked by innovation, collaboration and community.
July 31, 2025
2025 awardees with checks
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UVA Wise and The Nature Conservancy Announce Cumberland Forest Community Fund Award Recipients

Selected through a competitive review process, these projects enhance environmental quality, strengthen community capacity, and promote regional economic resilience.
June 11, 2025
Michelle Rozen
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Michelle Rozen to Deliver Keynote Address at Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is pleased to announce that Michelle Rozen, Ph.D., a renowned researcher and expert in the psychology of change, will deliver the keynote address at the Tenth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum on May 22.
May 1, 2025
Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation
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Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation Makes Investment in UVA Wise Student Scholarships and Regional Leadership Initiatives

The gift will be matched with a $500,000 investment from the University of Virginia’s Bicentennial Funds, bringing its total impact to $1.5 million. The gift also provides a leadership endowment to support the College’s LEAD Southwest Virginia program.
March 31, 2025
Attendees at the SWVA Economic Forum
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10th Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future

This year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment, Shaping the Future,” will celebrate the region’s achievements while focusing on efforts that will create future opportunities.
March 27, 2025
Mountains and clouds
Featured

UVA Wise Receives Funding to Promote Resiliency Planning and Lower Energy Costs in Southwest Virginia

UVA Wise will support and coordinate the project work. The funding will impact 10 communities throughout Southwest Virginia.
January 16, 2025
Clouds over mountains
Featured

Cumberland Forest Community Fund Announces Fourth Round of Funding in Southwest Virginia

Applications are welcome from projects located in seven counties in Southwest Virginia—Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise—as well as the City of Norton.
January 15, 2025