Wytheville, Va. -Wytheville Community College took part in the NC3 National Letter of Intent Signing on April 16, 2026. This national event sponsored by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) mirrors the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. It is designed to honor students who are entering a technical field and to celebrate the dignity of work.
This year, WCC participated in this event with 90+ institutions across the country. New students from across the service region and beyond attended the event to sign for the 2026-27 school year and participated in a signing ceremony, similar to a collegiate athletic signing ceremony.
In addition to having hosted this celebratory event for over 120 incoming students at their institution, Emily Hornaday was selected by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) as a recipient of the 2026 Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship, supported through 3M’s investment in skilled trades. This scholarship allows schools to help students pursue their dreams in the valuable field of skilled trades and strengthens our communities where we live and work.
Emily Hornaday, from Grayson County, signed her letter of intent for the Administrative Support Technology program at WCC.
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ABOUT Wytheville Community College Wytheville Community College (WCC) has been delivering in-demand higher education programs and workforce skills training to the Southwest Virginia communities of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth (Marion and Eastward), and Wythe counties, the city of Galax and beyond since 1963. Today, we’re the leading choice for students who are looking for the highest quality college education, close to home, and at the greatest value. We’re also the workforce training partner of choice for employers in Southwest Virginia and beyond.
ABOUT 3M As a global company, 3M is committed to supporting education and workforce readiness through meaningful investment in STEM and Skilled Trades learning. Each year 3M celebrates its skilled‑trades investments across local communities, supporting hundreds of students pursuing skilled‑trade career pathways. Looking ahead, 3M plans to deepen community partnerships, expand hands‑on learning opportunities, and further strengthen pathways that help students prepare for high‑demand skilled‑trade careers.
ABOUT NC3 NC3 was established to help build a workforce prepared to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s industries by connecting employers and educational institutions in synergistic partnerships that foster effective training, elevation of skilled careers, and employment opportunities. In fulfilling its mission, NC3 builds deep industry-educational partnerships and develops, implements and sustains industry-recognized portable certifications and digital badges built on national skills standards. We envision an industrial labor market where all workers have jobs they need to thrive and all companies have well-trained employees they need to operate and grow. Learn more at www.nc3.net.
Pictured: (L-R) Perry Hughes, Vice President of Workforce Development and Occupational Programs, Heather Cole, WCC Career Coach, and Emily Hornaday, Grayson County Student Recipient.