The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) recently hosted students and faculty from Gretna High School, faculty from Bedford County and Lynchburg City, students from Chatham High School, and faculty and counselors from Danville Community College for a look at the Business of Art & Design Program (BA&D). During the visit, attendees were given a tour of the SVHEC-Innovation Center, and heard from staff and students in the BA&D program. 

Offered in partnership with Danville Community College, BA&D offers career pathways in Digital Art & Design and Product Design & Development. Students learn the skills necessary for employment through hands-on, applied learning experiences. Graduates of the program are employed throughout the region, and have been accepted to top universities like Virginia Tech and Longwood.

During the visit, attendees heard from several students who found success in the Digital Art & Design and Product Design & Development programs. One speaker was Heather Chipps, who spoke about being a struggling high school who thought college was out of reach. “I didn’t think college was for me because honestly my parents couldn’t afford it. But I heard the SVHEC was here and I decided to give it a try. I qualified for financial aid, and to this day I haven’t had to pay a dime out of pocket for my classes. I didn't want to burden my parents with college expenses, but I'm so grateful that they took the time & did the work to get my financial aid in order,” she stated. Heather found her place in the Digital Art & Design program. She started her own business, Heather Chipps Photography, and after completing her Associate’s degree she plans on transferring to Virginia Tech.
 
Staff members are now recruiting students for the fall semester. Enrollment is open to graduating high school seniors and adults who want to continue their education or learn a new skill.  Financial aid and tuition assistance is available for qualified applicants.

For more information visit http://www.createyourcareer.org, or call 434-572-5441 or toll free 1-800-283-0098 ext 5441.