Our Vision

The Dan River Region will be a hub for talent development that drives a vibrant, 21st century economy.

Our Mission

To be a catalyst for regional workforce innovation.

Operational Dilemma and Premise

Q. How can you change a workforce system?

A. Start at the most approachable level, the skills of the individuals who comprise the workforce and then work inward to affect systematic change.

The Dan River Region Collaborative (DRRC) is a group of funders in the Southern Piedmont Region of Virginia, who joined forces to impact the region’s workforce development system.  They joined forces in response to an invitation to respond to a request for proposal from the National Funds for Workforce Solutions, a national funding group working to emulate best practices across the nation.

The local collaborative followed the national model for impacting individuals by providing low-income inidividuals an opportunity to acquire entry level jobs and career advances, thus improving the potential for businesses to recruit and retain qualified individuals to fulfill their job needs.  There is full recognition that this will require system and policy changes that address the skill gaps and the system needs for resources and funding.  These system changes will be driven by the demand of employers and workforce partners.  Ultimately the career maps will enable individuals to move up the ladder to become more successful in contributing to the success of their family by self-sustaining family jobs.  This will impact the success of the businesses and improve the economic vitality of the region.