Russell County Public Schools
Kimberly M. Hooker, Ed.D.
Division Superintendent
Post Office Box 884
Dr. Lorraine C. Turner Drive
Lebanon, Virginia 24266
Office # (276) 889-6500 FAX # (276) 991-4366
School Board Members
Chairman, Cynthia Compton Vice-Chairman, Christy Perkins Tim Ball Jonathan Eaton Linda Garrett Bob Gibson Kip Parsons
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Russell County Career and Technical Center Announces Grant Award from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia
Russell County Career and Technical Center (RCCTC) is proud to announce plans to reintroduce Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instruction for Russell County students, marking the return of a program that has not been offered at the center for nearly 20 years. This initiative aims to strengthen the local workforce and meet the growing demand for skilled HVAC technicians in Russell County and the surrounding region. The grant award from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia is the springboard to getting the program back on its feet so quickly.
The first step in reestablishing the HVAC program was the submission of an application to the Virginia Department of Education. As part of the application process, RCCTC conducted student interest surveys, which showed overwhelming support for the program. In addition, community stakeholders and the RCCTC Advisory Committee strongly encouraged the return of HVAC instruction, citing a shrinking workforce and increasing job opportunities. Labor market data projects approximately a 10 percent growth in HVAC employment over the next 10 years.
RCCTC Principal Larry Rasnake emphasized the value of the program and its leadership.
“We have a licensed instructor, Michael Wilson, with over 20 years of HVAC experience and a strong desire to give back to the community and the trade in which he was very successful,” Rasnake said.
Mike Wilson, Building Trades and HVAC instructor at RCCTC, highlighted the growing student interest and collaborative approach among instructors.
“I am currently instructing our Building Trades students, and we have already seen an increase in student interest,” Wilson said. “Our goal is to create that same excitement and opportunity with HVAC. There are many opportunities for our students in the trades, and all of our instructors at RCCTC work together to ensure students are successful not only in their chosen trade, but also in developing the life skills they need beyond the classroom.”
Because the HVAC program has not been offered in nearly two decades, significant investments are needed in tools, equipment, and advanced technology trainers to ensure students are trained using modern, industry-standard equipment. While state and local funding supports ongoing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across Russell County—including business, agriculture, and 12 trade programs at RCCTC—launching a new program presents financial challenges.
“This is why we are excited for the opportunity to apply for this grant,” Rasnake added. “Grant funding would allow us to fully equip the HVAC lab and have the program ready for operation at the start of the semester, rather than spreading purchases over several years.”
Dr. Kim Hooker, Superintendent of Russell County Public Schools, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and the potential partnership opportunities it brings.
“Russell County Public Schools is excited for the opportunity to partner with Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia to support workforce development and provide meaningful career pathways for our students,” Hooker said.
The grant application was submitted by Greg Mullins, CTE Director for Russell County Public Schools. CTE Director Greg Mullins expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to expand career and technical offerings at RCCTC.
“I am very grateful and excited for this opportunity to expand the programs offered at RCCTC,” Mullins said. “Without the dedication of our team, the guidance of our advisors, and the grant award from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia, this process would have taken much longer to bring together. We are excited about the opportunities this program will create for our students and the impact it will have on our community.”