BridgeValley History

The BridgeValley Community and Technical College Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) (3) organization, promotes the academic excellence, growth, progress, and general welfare of BridgeValley Community and Technical College by raising funds and providing support to strengthen and develop the College and its objectives.  The Foundation is governed by a committed board of up to 12 community leaders that donate their time, talent, and resources to advancing the mission of BridgeValley Community and Technical College and supporting its students.

Currently, the Foundation manages just over $2 million in assets.  The majority of these resources are devoted to supporting BridgeValley students who may not otherwise be able to attend college and funding academic programs aimed at supporting economic growth in our community. 

We provide resources - financial and professional - to enhance scholarship opportunities, provide growth opportunities, and support programs at BridgeValley Community and Technical College. We are committed to expanding access and affordability for all students. We believe the work of the Foundation enhances the lives of community members, the quality of the College, and the communities it serves.

Education Leader

BridgeValley sees a need and meets it...

• In 2013, the State of West Virginia consolidated two community colleges to create a stronger, more comprehensive multi-campus community college for the Fayette, Kanawha, Cabell, Clay, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne county service region.
• In 2014, the College unveiled the Advanced Technology Center – Toyota Hall. This Center plays an essential role in the region by providing the latest technologies, programs, and expertise to support on-going economic development efforts. West Virginia can create the workforce industry needs by focusing on job creation; fostering economic development; and encouraging more students to enter Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers.
• In 2014, the College launched its first 100 percent online program – Healthcare Management. Healthcare management is a growing field that is undergoing significant change. The career path is quite diverse due to the rapidly evolving industry. Technology has exploded in the last 10 years producing new options for treatment. This has led to growth in the management sector of the healthcare industry.
• In 2015, the College welcomed its first Sonography class. Sonography is a dynamic profession that has grown significantly over the past 20 years. With rapidly developing new technologies and increased use of diagnostic ultrasound procedures, growth is projected to continue in the future with employment opportunities for qualified sonographers in both rural and urban
• areas nationwide.
• In 2019, the DHHR awarded the College $40,000 to support a Collegiate Recovery Program. A Collegiate Recovery Community offers support to students who are in recovery from any kind of addiction and/or mental illness including but not limited to, substance use, eating disorders, sex addiction, or depression.
• In 2019, the College raised $3,000 to establish an on-campus food pantry. A 2016 Students Against Hunger survey found that 22 percent of students had very low food security, meaning they were often experiencing hunger. Twenty percent of students at four-year universities reported being hungry, while the rate rose to 25 percent at community colleges.

Toyota Hall

(2014) BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BridgeValley) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia are proud to announce the naming of Toyota Hall; this name will be the academic hall designation for the Advanced Technology Center of South Central West Virginia (ATC).

The unveiling of Toyota Hall will be the highlight of the March 20 Founder’s Day celebration of BridgeValley’s inaugural year.  This naming is in recognition of Toyota’s investment of over $1 million that will support the continued development and sustainability of the ATC’s mission and BridgeValley’s commitment to manufacturing education. 

In 2012, Toyota West Virginia and BridgeValley launched the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) associate degree program, which combines cutting-edge curriculum, paid working experience, and best practices of a world-class manufacturer.  BridgeValley students selected for this program attend classes at the ATC two days per week and work three days per week at the Buffalo plant.  Additional manufacturers have also participated in the program.  Participants may earn more than $40,000 over the five-semester program.

 “Toyota is pleased to be a partner with BridgeValley in providing education and work experience for highly sought after multi-skilled employees of the future, “ said Millie Marshall, president of Toyota West Virginia.   “The education and training these students complete will lay the foundation for them to get a great, well-paying job anywhere in the United States.  Of course, we hope they establish their careers here in West Virginia,” she added.

“I truly appreciate Toyota’s continued commitment to improving our academic and workforce training programs,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Just last month, Millie and I spoke to governors from across the country about advanced manufacturing, 3D printing and other offerings available through the Advanced Technology Center of South Central West Virginia. I am committed to providing our future workforce with the resources, skills, and training they need to be successful in the jobs we are creating, and Toyota’s partnership is a valuable part of that effort.”

"Beyond providing a great opportunity for our students, Toyota has taken a leadership role in modeling the advantages of industry and education partnerships by helping develop the curriculum, contributing cutting-edge equipment, and investing funding to maintain high-quality programming,“ noted Dr. Jo Harris, President of BridgeValley.  “Excellence is attained and maintained through such partnerships, and we are pleased to recognize Toyota on our first Founder’s Day event for their support as we worked together to create the AMT program and for their continued generosity during the ATC Capital Campaign.  They are an ideal industry partner.”