Upskilling & Higher Education

Whether you’ve gained valuable experience serving in the military or had to take a break from coursework because of life obligations, colleges in the Lynchburg region provide smooth processes to get credit for prior education.

If you have never taken any courses, Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) is the starting point for many, with clear transfer pathways that feed directly into four-year schools like University of Lynchburg, Randolph College, and Liberty University. Students who graduate from CVCC can even get up to a $3,000 stipend annually when transferring to a four-year college through Virginia’s Two-Year Transfer Grant.

Smaller liberal arts colleges like Randolph College and Sweet Briar College also welcome transfer students, with policies that accept credits (typically with a C or higher) and personalized evaluations to help you stay on track.

The Lynchburg region offers several accredited options for adult learners looking to advance or change careers. The University of Lynchburg stands out for its Adult Learner program, designed specifically for non-traditional students age 25+. It provides a supportive community, flexible class schedules (including evenings and online), and reduced tuition rates compared to traditional full-time students, making it easier to balance work, life, and school.

Liberty University also offers extensive options through its Center for Professional & Continuing Education (CPCE). Adult learners can choose from professional development courses, certifications, and micro-credential programs that focus on building specific, in-demand skills. These flexible, often short-term programs are ideal for those looking to quickly upskill or pivot into a new field.

Virginia Career Works also offers funding for career training to eligible individuals through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Absolutely! Central Virginia Community College’s Workforce Solutions division is the region’s go-to resource for employer-driven training, offering customized programs that help businesses upskill their existing workforce across industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to healthcare and technology.

The partnership between CVCC and regional employers goes deep. In 2025, CVCC was awarded a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to expand Advanced Manufacturing career pathways in collaboration with major regional employers including Framatome, BWX Technologies, and Delta Star — three of the region’s most prominent nuclear technology and energy manufacturing companies. The program delivers job-focused upskilling for the existing workforce, with curriculum directly shaped by the needs of regional industry partners.

Many employers in the region also partner with CVCC on registered apprenticeship programs that allow you to earn while learning new skills. Southern Air’s apprenticeship program invests in the next generation of craft professionals across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and sheet metal.