The Patrick and Henry Community College (P&H CC) located in Martinsville, VA. in a traditionally economically depressed region, is cooperating with local industries for the benefit of students and the local economy. Henry County was severely impacted when textile plants closed in the 1970s resulting in an unemployment rate of 25 percent.  By offering certification courses and partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, the P&H CC has boosted enrollment through tailored eight-week programs including advanced manufacturing to provide trained workers for industries.

The College is an example of how local educational institutions can thrive and contribute to job creation.  Identifying and exploiting opportunities has allowed P&H CC to create special programs offering training and certification for future workers.  The College has introduced specialized courses to train workers for the Eastman Chemical Company, Ten Oaks, a hardwood flooring manufacturer and Shok Industries a metal fabrication company based in Germany, that established a branch in Henry County.

Within the poultry industry, JBS and other integrators have sponsored employees and their dependents to attend local community colleges supporting these institutions and contributing to a trained workforce that, in turn, attracts industry.