News Center

Summer 2010

Click here to view the Portal Newsletter Spring/Summer 2010

VisPort 1.0 - A group of educators and researchers at Old Dominion University (ODU) and the Virginia Modeling and Simulation Center (VMASC), headed by Petros Katsioloudis, PhD, have released VisPort 1.0, a virtual port simulation, designed to provide a multimedia environment that allows students to learn about port careers, career ladders, required education and most importantly, get a realistic sense of day-to-day port operations. According to Rick Sciullo, Vice President, Opportunity Inc., “This WIRED funded project allows students to explore port related careers in a virtual environment and is expandable to limitless career possibilities. We're extremely excited about the potential of this new tool.” The simulation can be viewed by clicking here

As the SEVA-PORT WIRED project winds down, the project team is looking to how its various partners can continue to push the innovation agenda in Southeast Virginia. One important take-away from WIRED is that the region’s future prosperity and success will depend heavily on how well we do in terms of encouraging local residents to develop science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related skills and talents.

As the table shows, local demand for skilled STEM workers is expected to grow rapidly in coming years. If we want innovative companies to move here, stay here or get started here, we’ll need to ensure they can attract and retain talent.

The WIRED project focused many of its investments on helping local educators and training providers develop new programs that introduce STEM careers and skills to residents from kindergarten all the way to adulthood. Some strong foundational programs are in place, but they are not enough.

To get a better sense of how to move ahead, SEVA-PORT has contracted with EntreWorks Consulting, a national leader in innovation-based economic development efforts, to create a regional innovation index that assesses how the region is performing and what it needs to do to become a national and global center of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The index contains a lot of good news. Student performance in science and math (from K-12 and higher education) is steadily improving, key business clusters in modeling and simulation and logistics continue to show rapid growth, and regional high-technology employment also is expanding.

However, the region still lags statewide and national benchmarks in many of these areas, so continuous improvement is still required. In addition, the region can and should do a better job of nurturing entrepreneurial start-ups and other technology-based businesses. The concentration and importance of these firms in our regional economy still lags state and national benchmarks.

The index is not designed to be a report card. Instead, it seeks to point to future directions for regional economic and workforce development. It suggests several new directions for any follow-up work related to SEVA-PORT. These include:

  • Expand STEM education programs, especially those that target women and minority students who are still underrepresented in STEM careers.

  • Improve programs that support entrepreneurs. It’s still too hard for local residents to find and access support programs for new businesses. Better coordination and marketing is needed.

  • Build new programs for business clusters. The region is home to several clusters that are national leaders in terms of innovation. The region should invest in efforts, such as the proposed Virginia Logistics Research Center, that capitalize on these strengths.

  • Maintain regional momentum. Perhaps the most important recommendation concerns regional partnerships. SEVA-PORT showed that regionalism works. These partnerships must continue even after the federal grant dollars disappear.

Advanced Technology Center students design ‘green’ houses — Virginia Beach Public School’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) received a WIRED grant to fund a Sustainable House Design Competition for Computer Aided Drafting and Design II and architectural students. The $13,500 grant — a collaborative effort among SEVA-PORT partners, Opportunity Inc. and Virginia Beach City Public Schools — provided funds for classroom equipment, instructional materials and supplies, as well as gift cards, framing and plaques for the winners.

Each year, ATC presents a design competition where class Architectural Design class members design a dream home. This year, because of the growing awareness and concern for the environment, the CADD instructor decided to add a green twist to the competition.

Students were tasked with designing a home between 3,500 and 5,000 square feet with four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a living room, kitchen, formal dining room, in-house theater, master bedroom with walk-in closet, a family room/great room and a three-car garage. The home also had to be equipped with a rainwater harvesting system and a solar space-heating system. The homes had to be designed to incorporate as many sustainable or resource-efficient methods of construction as possible.

Students researched sustainable materials and building techniques and gained further insight through the use of a new resource book, Your Role in the Green Environment, and class discussions. They also presented position papers on their role as young architectural students in the new green environment.

By May, 17 designs were completed and displayed, with the entire school selecting the top five designs. The top five were judged by architects, sustainable design professionals, Opportunity Inc. representatives and educators for creativity, sustainable design techniques and materials, students’ presentation and curb appeal.

Winter 2010

Local Community College Touts Warehousing Certificate Program
Earlier this year, Paul D. Camp Community College (PDCCC) rolled out a new warehousing and distribution certificate program. The program was developed to equip students with the specialized skills needed to work in these sectors. It is funded by the Department of Labor WIRED Grant through the Workforce Investment Board, Opportunity, Inc.

The certificate was established in response to growth and planned expansion at The Port of Virginia. With the planned Craney Island Marine Terminal (CIMT), The Port is poised to become a leading East Coast Port. Accordingly, the demand for warehouse and distribution facilities in Hampton Roads is on the rise. This certificate program will help ensure that Hampton Roads has a qualified entry-level workforce for these facilities.

According to Rick Sciullo, Vice President of Opportunity Inc. and the WIRED grant administrator, “The WIRED Grant has allowed us to enhance workforce development and economic development in the region by training individuals in the Port-related industries of Transportation, Warehousing and Distribution. The Paul D. Camp Community College certificate program is an outstanding example of that effort.” The program includes three courses: Introduction to Business, Team Concepts and Problem Solving, and Studies in Warehouse and Distribution Operations.

With the completion of its inaugural semester, faculty is optimistic about the program’s future. According to Randy Betz, Vice President of Workforce Development at PDCCC, the College plans to expand in response to the first semester’s success. “We’d like to work with our corporate and government partners to create a permanent warehouse instructional facility, around 10,000 sq. ft., closer to The Port of Virginia and near more warehouse and distribution facilities. We’re also exploring the option of creating a second level of study in supply chain management and supervision,” he explained.

The program represents a strategic partnership of public and private resources. Other organizations that helped fund the program include MSC Supply; Safco; Cost Plus World Market; Computerized Inventory Systems Specialists Ltd.; International Paper Franklin Mill; Smithfield Foods; and the Material Handling Industry of America. Wes Foy of the Regional Workforce Development Council and Bob Hayes from PDCCC’s Workforce Development Division led the initiative, with the support of adjunct faculty members Al Will, Jeff Jacobs, Bill Pierce, Tracy Davis, Carolyn Crowder, and Wayne White. Go to http://www.pdc.edu/ for more information about the program.

Click here for a link to the orginial newsletter that this article came from (PDF).

Norfolk Career and Technical Center tours the Dollar Tree Distribution Center in Chesapeake. Opportunity Inc assisted in this collaborative effort that enabled 30 students to tour the Dollar Tree warehouse. After the tour, the students returned to the classroom to simulate the logistics processes they observed. They will be spending the next few weeks working on simulations that could improve or build upon these systems. During their tour the students learned how packages are received and tracked, how conveyer systems work, different types of sensors, and jobs within the warehouse.

Paul D. Camp Community College hosted its two-day event, “Girls Rock It”, as part of the Get SET, Go Girl series in November. Thirteen girls attended the overnight event which included a museum tour, IMAX movie and sleep-over at the Virginia Air and Space Center. Participants were able to build their own rockets and explore the lunar landing mission simulator. The purpose of the SET program is to introduce young women to careers in Science, Engineering and Technologies through hands-on experiences at locations such as Northrop Grumman, Old Dominion University, and the Virginia Aquarium.

The Crater region adopts a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The 2008-2009 timeframe offered significant benefits to the CEDS development process, as the region was undertaking two major and very relevant studies pertinent to the long-term economic vitality of the Crater Region, the Fort Lee Growth Management Plan 2008 and the Virginia Logistics Research Center (VLRC) Feasibility Study. After identifying and analyzing the region’s opportunities and challenges, the CEDS Committee determined that the region should direct its attention and resources to four primary focus areas: 1) Technology and the Attraction of High Technology Jobs; 2) Workforce Development; 3) Strengthening and Expansion of the Small Business/ Entrepreneurial Base; and 4) Infrastructure Improvement. The SEVA-PORT WIRED grant has established substantial resources to leverage and sustain in these focus areas in the region.

Fall 2009

Opportunity Inc announces a Request for Proposals to produce an assessment of the SEVA-PORT WIRED region. Opportunity Inc, on behalf of The Southeastern Virginia Partnership for Regional Transformation (SEVA-PORT), is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to produce a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the SEVA-PORT WIRED initiative. To view the complete RFP, click here.

SEVA-PORT, in partnership with the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development and Newport News and Hampton Public Schools holds Industry Tours for Guidance Counselors on the Peninsula. Thirty-six Hampton and Newport News Public Schools Guidance Counselors participated in two SEVA-PORT Industry Tours hosted by the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development. The tours were two full days, where guidance counselors representing middle and high schools attended. The tour locations included Dilon Technology, Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Liebherr, Jefferson Labs, ECPI College of Technology and the National Institute of Aeronautics. The intent of the tours were to represent the economic impact and development of Modeling and Simulation and Transportation, Warehousing, and Distribution Industries and its impact on K-12 education, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics industrial base in Hampton Roads. Informal assessments showed a high level of enthusiasm, and interest in industry sectors where they had little or no experience or knowledge, and a high level of commitment to encourage students into the career pathways in these industries. Additional tours are being scheduled for the spring for the other Peninsula school divisions. To learn more about the Peninsula’s SEVA-PORT activities contact Shawn Avery at 757-826-3327.

Guidance Counselor Tours Oct 26-27 2009

Guidance Counselor Tours Oct 26-27 2009

A team from William and Mary’s Mason School of Business completes its assessment of the Transportation, Warehousing and Distribution (TWD) industries in Hampton Roads. The project includes an overview of the supply chain and logistics system in the region, as well as evolving supply chain strategies and opportunities for technologies such as modeling and simulation. A major component of the study identifies training opportunities that will improve the competitiveness of TWD operations in the Hampton Roads area, which, in turn, will make the Port of Virginia more attractive and bolster the economic development of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Information contained in the report is based upon data from numerous site visits and interviews of TWD operations. The complete study can be viewed at http://masonweb.wm.edu/sevaport/. In addition, Drs. Bradley and Guerrero of W&M’s Mason School will be delivering a series of modeling and simulation seminars for the TWD industry later this year. These seminars will be free-of-charge for participating businesses. Potential seminar topics include Modeling Processes to Improve Efficiency, Excel for Six Sigma Quality Improvement, and Simple Automation of Business Processes. To learn about these seminars and to register, contact Rick Sciullo at 757-314-2370.

Tidewater Community College announces its Fall 2009 Modeling and Simulation Academy. Saturday programs will introduce students, ages 16-18, to career fields and educational pathways involving web design, gaming, computer networking, and modeling and simulation. Participants who successfully complete the three Saturday sessions may be eligible to take Gaming and Simulation at TCC as a dual enrollment course. Contact Johnna Coleman-Yates at 757-822-1234 for more information.

SEVA-PORT sponsored the Urban League’s Empowerment Summit on October 15th. This year’s Summit, “Where Technology Meets Business”, included a STEM component and featured keynote speaker, Dr. Guy Bluford, the first African American astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. The summit provided a resource and networking event for over 300 small business owners, entrepreneurs, job seekers, students and others. Panel discussions focused on technology, STEM careers, e-networking, and “green communities”.

Urban League Empowerment Summit

Summer 2009

Summer camps for youth are launched throughout the SEVA-PORT region for youth ages 16 and up. SEVA-PORT, in collaboration with Old Dominion University and Virginia Beach Public Schools, offered two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camps for youth ages 16-18. The camps were held in July at the Advanced Technology Center in Virginia Beach. Over forty campers from Southside Hampton Roads participated in field trips to the Norfolk International Terminals where they observed port cranes and machinery and had a front-row seat to the supply chain in motion. The students then used modeling and simulation technology to build 2-D and 3-D models of sea port cranes and other logistical devices used at the Port. These camps exposed young people to technology careers, as well as maritime and port operations. ECPI College of Technology in Newport News also hosted an M&S/Game Technology Camp in July. The week long summer camp provided students with hands-on activities to include game development and introduction to the virtual environments of modeling and simulation. In addition, staff from NASA Langley Research Center and Old Dominion University provided examples of real world experiences which allowed the students to apply what they learned in the classroom. Recruitment of students from all six school divisions on the Greater Peninsula was conducted through the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development’s Youth Career Cafes. Additional camps will be scheduled for the fall and spring. SEVA-PORT partners have launched over thirteen technology-related camps, student internships, and other industry-driven learning experiences throughout the region to develop and expand the Modeling and Simulation talent pipeline.

Opportunity Inc, on behalf of SEVA-PORT, is seeking proposals from institutions of higher education that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) within the SEVA-PORT region (Southside Hampton Roads, the Peninsula and Crater regions) to develop projects that 1.) increase the enrollment and successful completion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses; and/or 2.) create and maintain STEM pathways so that more students successfully transition from education institutions into the workforce. SEVA-PORT especially encourages proposals that address the challenges and needs of underrepresented populations in STEM education and workforce development. Download the complete solicitation.

During spring 2009, SEVA-PORT facilitated a multidisciplinary partnership between Junior Achievement and Virginia Beach Public Schools. Students from the Modeling and Simulation class at the Advanced Technology Center and the Advanced Entrepreneurship class at Landstown High School worked together to create NUVO, a student organized business that creates products in renewable energy. The business seeks opportunities to offer products that use green technology and are environmentally friendly. The group’s first product, the Para-Solar, is a solar-powered umbrella that uses power from the sun to generate extended battery power for personal electronic devises such as MP3 players, cell phones, and cameras. This student-run collaborative is an example of a successful SEVA-PORT partnership that incorporates the spirit of entrepreneurism, modeling and simulation technologies, and alternative energy sources. To view NUVO’s commercial for the Para-Solar, click here. To learn more about the SEVA-PORT / Junior Achievement Partnership, contact Rick Sciullo at 757-314-2370.

SEVA-PORT, in partnership with Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University, launches its free summer camp series for students ages 16 and up. Four camps will be held at TCC’s Tri-Cities Higher Education Center in Portsmouth beginning this July. Five-day camps will be offered free-of-charge to eligible high school students in the fields of Basic Gaming, Computer Networking, Web Design, and Advanced Gaming. For more information and to register, contact Tidewater Community College at 757-822-1234.

In addition, Old Dominion University and Virginia Beach Public Schools will be hosting two STEM summer camps during the weeks of July 6th and July 13th. Campers will learn about sea port operations and develop 2-D and 3-D models. To register and for more information call Dr. Stella Bondi at 757-683-3782 or download the following application "STEM Flyer"(PDF).

Local layoffs at Smithfield Packing, USSA, Auto Trader, Circuit City, International Paper and others paint a familiar picture that’s being seen in communities across the country. However, the recent downturn in the economy is the prime opportunity to take advantage of free training that is being funded by the region’s $5 million WIRED grant. Tuition assistance is available to individuals interested in certificate and degree programs in the logistics and modeling and simulation fields. SEVA-PORT One Stops are providing students, dislocated workers and career switchers with comprehensive assessments and information related to these programs. Up to $4000 is available to eligible students so they can upgrade their skills and be more employable once the economy recovers. Download related articles "Grants Offer New Opportunities Article"(PDF) and "$5 Million Grant to Provide Tuition Aid"(PDF).

Spring 2009

SEVA-PORT sponsors VMASC’s Capstone Conference’s Transportation Track, scheduled for April 9.. The Capstone Conference features students from the ODU Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program and universities and schools across the country. Students will present their research to an audience of fellow students, faculty, judges, and members of the VMASC Board of Advisors. The Transportation Track includes applications of modeling and simulation to solve multi-modal transportation problems. The development, validation, and application of microscopic and macroscopic traffic simulation, travel demand models, and hardware in the loop simulation are appropriate research topics for surface (road) transportation. Simulations of port facilities, railroads, and the air transportation system are also included in this track. For more information on VMASC’s Capstone Conference, visit http://www.vmasc.odu.edu/conferences/capstone/.

Over 70 guidance counselors from Peninsula public schools attended a professional development program aimed at increasing awareness of STEM, M&S and Logistics career pathways during 2-day industry tours in April. Participants heard from employers on the industry skill needs, employment opportunities, potential salaries and benefits, growth opportunities and other aspects. This partnership between industry and education was facilitated by the Council for Workforce Development and included participation from Wal-Mart Distribution Center, NASA, the ODU Peninsula Center and Hampton Economic Development.

A SEVA-PORT partnership between the Crater Planning District Commission, the Small Business Development Center and Element K, brings free online training to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Crater region. The service, which can be accessed directly at http://elementk.craterpdc.org, offers self-paced courses in a full range of business topics, as well as skills certifications and training for vendor certifications. The goal is to reach 10,000 users in the region. Download related articles "From Unemployed to Self-Employed"(PDF) and "Web Resource Will be Boon for Businesses"(PDF).

The Newport News Public Schools and ECPI College of Technology Modeling and Simulation Camp will be held April 15th – May 2nd, Monday and Wednesday, at the Newport News Campus of ECPI. The Modeling and Simulation / Game Technology Camps will teach students, juniors and seniors in the NNPS, about the simulation and game industries. The students will get hands-on introduction to simulation and game development environments by development games.

The Peninsula Council for Workforce Development and ECPI College of Technology Logistics and Modeling and Simulation Camp will be held April 20, 21, 22, and 23 at the Newport News Campus of ECPI. The Logistics and Modeling and Simulation Camp will teach students about TWD and M&S industries. Students will get hands on introduction to logistics by solving a “real world” problem using modeling and simulation approach.

Winter 2009

WIRED Grant Brings E-Commerce Assistance to South Central Virginia. In August, VECTEC opened a regional operations office in Petersburg to support businesses throughout the Crater Region. “The opening of a VECTEC office in Petersburg is a welcomed addition during these hard economic times,” noted the Honorable Rosalyn Dance, Delegate 63rd District. “It is reassuring to know that the Petersburg/Crater Region has a 'one-stop service hub' that can assist start-up small businesses and help the area maintain and expand its existing small businesses," she added. VECTEC’s Petersburg office is the result of regional partnerships that include the Crater Planning District Commission (CPDC), the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), and SEVA-PORT. VECTEC’s new office is co-located with the CPDC and the Crater SBDC in the Monument Professional Building at 1964 Wakefield Street in Petersburg. To learn more about VECTEC’s programs for small businesses in the Crater Region, contact Ann Easterling at 804.861.1666, or ann.easterling@vectec.org.

Fall 2008

SEVA-PORT Initiative launches summer technology camps throughout the region. In collaboration with Tidewater Community College and the Urban League of Hampton Roads, SEVA-PORT sponsored four summer camps during summer 2008.  Tidewater Community College facilitated three camps at the Tri-Cities campus. Campers ages 16 – 18 attended one-week sessions on topic areas including modeling and simulation, networking, and website design.  In addition, the Urban League offered a DIGIPEN Project Fun camp at Christopher Newport University.  Campers designed and created their own computer game during the two-week session.  Over sixty students from Southside Hampton Roads, the Peninsula, and Crater regions took advantage of these opportunities sponsored by the SEVA-PORT WIRED grant. Download the article. (PDF)

SEVA-PORT is interested in supporting and promoting technology, Modeling and Simulation (M&S), Transportation, Warehousing and Distribution (TWD) and port related educational activities, as well as activities which promote and support the underlying Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines within the K-12 educational system. K-12 public school divisions within the SEVA-PORT region (Southside Hampton Roads, the Peninsula and Crater regions) are invited to develop creative, innovative, well-conceived projects that seek to initiate or expand educational opportunities within the target areas identified above. Projects must be limited to students aged 16 and older. Download the Grant Guidelines (PDF)

The College of William & Mary’s Technology and Business Center, in conjunction with the Mason School of Business, will be offering its Business Strategic Education Series free-of-charge to M&S and TWD small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Course offerings include Strategic Business Planning, Essentials of Finance, Sales and Marketing, and Operations & Business Processes.  The series is anticipated to be deployed in Fall 2008.  To learn more, contact Leonard Sledge.

Modeling and Simulation has grown beyond the traditional applications of military and defense scenarios.  The region has been an active leader in expanding this technology to areas such including medicine and transportation.  And the region’s workforce is benefiting from the technology transfer. The average salary of M&S jobs is $82,733 – more than double the Hampton Roads average of $38,428. Read more in the August Virginia Pilot article.

Expanding Modeling & Simulation Technology to the Crater Region In mid-July the Crater Planning District Commission was awarded a State Research Planning Grant that will examine how this region’s businesses might take advantage of Modeling & Simulation Technology.  The campus of Fort Lee’s new Logistics University (currently under construction) will include a new Simulation Center, as Fort Lee becomes the Logistics Capital of the Army.  Additionally, Virginia State University has a new engineering school, and is in the process of establishing a new logistics curriculum.

Fourth District Congressman Randy Forbes has suggested that the logistics and simulation expertise at Fort Lee completes a significant research/technology triangle – Fort Lee – Langley – Joint Forces Command.  Congressman Forbes chairs the Modeling & Simulation Caucus in the U. S. House of Representatives.

Staff of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) will conduct the feasibility study in this region and will look at the potential for establishing a BRAC Modeling and Simulation Research Center in the Crater region to act as a catalyst for applications of Department of Defense logistics at Fort Lee and the evolving and expanding modeling & simulation technology to the private sector and public entities here.

This is another effort to ensure that the Crater Region maximizes the opportunities associated with the massive Fort Lee expansion and, at the same time, maximizes opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation targeted toward cutting edge 21st century technologies.