RBTC for Students

Connect with professionals while working toward a degree

Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and computer engineering are among the most sought-after skills in today’s economy. The colleges and universities in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region do an incredible job educating today’s students for tomorrow’s tech opportunities.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council provides undergraduates with the experience and expertise they need to put their degrees to work and set them apart from their peers.

RBTC has partnered with Exelaration, a software development company with a nationally-recognized internship program, to connect undergraduate engineers with local employers using funding from the ELITE (Experiential Learning Through Tech Employment) Grant.

The ELITE Grant is a two-year program funded by GO Virginia and facilitated by the RBTC that equips the region’s businesses with the funding and tech talent to complete mission-critical tech projects. The grant creates more internship positions and brings new tech engineers into the workforce before graduation. 

RBTC also provides students with a host of networking opportunities, educational forums, social events, mentorships, and other venues to engage with the leading technology companies and minds in the region.

Technology Careers in the Region

• 4,000  people employed in tech sector in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region
• 13%  growth in national employment expected through 2026
• $77,000  average IT salary in Roanoke