RCPS launches the Campaign for Excellence

Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) is pleased to announce the formal launch of the Campaign for Excellence – a capital campaign to raise funds to meet the future needs of career and technical education (CTE) students and programs. 

The campaign is two-fold in nature.  First, it is geared to ensure RCPS instruction, and the equipment RCPS students use, will meet current industry standards for many years to come. 

“When we open the new Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCRC) in winter 2027, it will be cutting edge.  However, we know that over time industry standards will change, and we are preparing now to meet the needs of the future,” said Jason Suhr, RCPS director of CTE. 

Second, this campaign will help RCPS students launch into successful careers when they graduate by helping them with essential needs such as tools, certification tests, personal protective equipment and more. 

“We are pleased to announce that part of this campaign is to raise money for an endowment to be used for scholarships to assist our soon-to-be graduates with things they need to begin a successful CTE career after high school.  We need to prepare our future workforce in a state-of-the-art facility for the best opportunity for a great career,” said Carl York, RCPS school-business relations coordinator.

The Campaign for Excellence goal is to raise $5.5 million within five years to support these initiatives.  We are looking for the support of the community to help us prepare for the future.

Already, RCPS has received several significant donations including $200,000 from Alro Steel, $100,000 from Bower Heating and Air and $100,000 from Simpson Funeral Home.

“The businesses that have already donated toward the Campaign for Excellence are great examples of people in our community who value CTE programs and have a vision for how they impact students and the community. We appreciate their investment and welcome others to be part of what is happening,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.

In the coming months, there will be opportunities for business and individuals, including alumni of the current Burton Center for Arts and Technology, to support this campaign, including personalized bricks, sponsorship opportunities and more.

“We encourage any business or individual interested in joining us on this exciting journey to contact the RCPS CTE department,” Suhr said.