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 in Tech Employment) internship grant. An expansion of the grant also allows for employers based in Region 2 that offer technology-related internships to partner with RBTC.

The ELITE Grant is funded by GO Virginia and facilitated by the RBTC, equipping 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. Eligibility has been extended through August 2023.

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