The GO Virginia Region 6 Council recently announced the award of $2,476,285 in Growth and Opportunity funds allocated for three new collaborative projects aimed at strengthening the region’s economy, advancing workforce development, and fostering innovation across key industry sectors. GO Virginia Region 6 includes the Fredericksburg Region, Northern Neck, and the Middle Peninsula. These projects bring together local governments, higher education institutions, and private industry leaders to create sustainable economic opportunities throughout the region.
“This latest round of funding reflects our continued commitment to building a more competitive and resilient regional economy,” said John Anzivino, Chair of the GO Virginia Region 6 Council. “By investing in collaborative, high-impact projects, we are helping position all of Region 6 for long-term growth and success in alignment with our Board approved Growth and Diversification Plan.”
Among the funded initiatives are programs focused on workforce training in high-demand sectors which include information technology, AI, advanced manufacturing, data centers, distribution/logistics, and professional services. Each project was selected based on its potential to generate economic impact, create jobs, and leverage matching funds from public and private partners.
Extended Workforce Pathways with Stafford and Caroline County Schools | Stafford County Public Schools
Stafford County Public Schools has been awarded $965,601 from Region 6’s Per Capita allocations for their Extended Workforce Pathways with Stafford and Caroline Counties project to expand career and technical education pathways across the Career Centers in Stafford County and the Academies of Caroline in Caroline County. These pathways will help prepare students for high-demand industries including data centers, logistics, energy, and information technology. The initiative will introduce new programs, align curriculum
with industry-recognized credentials, and provide opportunities for dual enrollment and direct workforce entry. Through regional collaboration between the two school divisions, the project will build a scalable model for workforce development and student success.
AI Mobile Unit for Workforce & Education | Cyber Bytes Foundation
Cyber Bytes Foundation, in partnership with the Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW, has been awarded $1,079,109 for an AI Mobile Unit to deliver hands-on instruction to students, teachers, and incumbent workers. The AI Mobile Unit will expand access to artificial intelligence training and certification across rural and underserved communities through mobile learning labs. The program will create dual enrollment opportunities and industry-recognized credential pathways. This approach ensured broader access to emerging technology skills and strengths in Region 6’s workforce readiness.
This project is a cross-regional project in partnership with GO Virginia Region 9. Participating localities include King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Nelson, Orange, and Rappahannock Counties.
CNC Machining Program | Rappahannock Community College
Rappahannock Community College has been awarded $431,575 for the CNC Machining program which will expand workforce training capacity in advanced manufacturing. The program will develop a hands-on program aligned with regional employer demand in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The initiative will help address critical workforce gaps and support the growth of manufacturing employers across the region.
The project was in partnership with Lancaster County EDA and the Bay Consortium Workforce Development CARES program, as well as Turn Dynamics and other area employers.
Participating localities include the Counties of Gloucester, King and Queen, Lancaster, Middlesex, and Northumberland as well as the Town of West Point.