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
Explore the Area
Why Roanoke-Blacksburg?
What makes the Roanoke-Blacksburg region an ideal base for high-tech companies and their employees? Outdoor adventure. Culture. Technology.