For Immediate Release:
January 22, 2026
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic, Inc. joins Laurel Ridge Community College Educational Foundation to announce a $10,000 donation to support the college’s Power Line Worker Training Program.
“NextEra’s gift strengthens Laurel Ridge’s ability to train the next generation of skilled workers,” said Laurel Ridge Foundation Executive Director Liv Heggoy. “Workforce training programs are costly to operate, but they are essential. Our programs build a strong pipeline of qualified talent for high demand infrastructure careers – jobs that offer higher wages and fuel our local economy.”
Next Era’s donation supports the Foundation’s Building the Future fundraising campaign, which is aimed at expanding workforce training programs to address critical skilled labor shortages in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia.
The campaign’s first phase wrapped up in 2023 with the completion of the new Skilled Trades Center at the Fauquier Campus in Warrenton, Virginia. The second phase focuses on career training in the power and energy sector. Laurel Ridge launched the Power Line Worker Training Program in September 2025, and the first cohort of the new 14-week program graduated Dec. 19.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow 7 percent over the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Kaitlin McCormick, senior director of development for NextEra Energy Transmission, said the company is eager to begin its partnership with Laurel Ridge.
“At NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic, we’re excited to help Laurel Ridge Community College to prepare the next generation for careers that power America’s energy future,” McCormick said. “Together, we’re investing in a skilled local workforce dedicated to public service and the reliability of our energy system.”
NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Transmission, is a member of the Northwestern Virginia Power & Energy Consortium, a collaboration with regional employers and Laurel Ridge. This initiative is dedicated to developing a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the energy sector.
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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
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