An expanded partnership between Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) is set to provide expanded access into SVCC’s information technology (IT) degree programs.

According to a press release, Shannon Feinman, vice-president of finance and administration, and Dr. Betty Adams, SVHEC executive director, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing an articulation agreement to award college credit to individuals who earn industry-recognized credentials through the SVHEC IT Academy.

“IT Academy completers who want to continue their education into one of SVCC’s IT degree programs will now have an easier and more convenient pathway,” officials said in the release.

“We are excited about aligning the SVHEC’s noncredit credential programs with degree programs at our local community colleges. This promises to open up and streamline career pathways to Southern Virginia’s high demand technical jobs,” Adams said in the release.

According to the signed MOU, SVHEC IT Academy trainees who successfully earn CompTIA A+, Server+, Network+ or Security+ certifications will receive credit that will apply directly to one of four SVCC IT programs: information systems technology associate of arts and sciences, information systems technology with networking specialization associate of arts and sciences, information systems technology certificate, or the cyber security career studies Certificate.

“Partnerships such as this one are key to the success of our college and the success of the students in Southside Virginia in preparing for today’s high-paying, in-demand information technology careers. This agreement highlights the value of cooperation and collaboration that makes the best use of our resources to serve the educational and workforce training needs of the region,” SVCC President Dr. Al Roberts said in the release.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) recognizes IT as “central to the success of the commonwealth,” and has identified IT as a key industry of the 21st century, according to the release.