WCC Students Visit Virginia Capitol to Advocate for Community College Student Day On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, students and staff from Wytheville Community College visited the Virginia General Assembly as part of Community College Student Day, meeting directly with lawmakers to share how affordable higher education and hands‑on workforce training are shaping their futures — and strengthening Virginia’s economy.
A delegation of two WCC students, Carmella Thompson and Caedmon Busby, spent the morning meeting with members of the House of Delegates and the Senate, discussing issues such as expanding workforce pathways, improving access to financial aid, and the critical role community colleges play in meeting regional employer demand.
Carmella Thompson, WCC Nursing Student, says, “I wouldn’t be on this path without the resources the college provides for me. The instructors and advisors guide me every step of the way. Things are so different now than they were fifteen years ago when I first started college. The financial assistance, support services, and encouragement I’ve received have made all the difference.”
Caedmon Busby, WCC Machine Technology Student and Student Government Association President, said” The Machine Technology program has been a huge benefit to my career and should allow me to add value both to our state and our nation. This facility and my instructors have been a huge benefit to my personal and professional development.”
Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President; Mr. Perry Hughes, WCC VP of Workforce Development & Occupational Programs; and, Ms. Deanna Bradberry, WCC Director of Institutional Advancement accompanied the two students as they were recognized from the floor of the House of Delegates.
“Virginia’s community college students are our strongest voices,” said Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “Their experiences reflect the real impact of affordable, accessible education that aligns with workforce needs.” During their visit, students highlighted their experiences in dual enrollment, FastForward workforce credential programs, transfer pathways, and initiatives like G3, which provides tuition assistance for students pursuing high‑demand careers.
“Today’s visit to the General Assembly reinforces how deeply invested our students are in their own futures — and in the future of Virginia,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of Wytheville Community College. “Our students represent working families, first‑generation learners, career changers, and young people discovering their paths. Their success is Virginia’s success, and continued investment in community colleges ensures we can meet the growing workforce needs of our region.”
Wytheville Community College (WCC) has been delivering in-demand higher education programs and workforce training skills 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, WCC is the leading choice for students looking for the highest quality college education, close to home, and at the greatest value. WCC is also the workforce training partner of choice for employers in our region.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges
Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have provided accessible, high‑quality education and workforce training across the Commonwealth. In academic year 2024, the system served more than 232,000 students across 23 colleges. Learn more at www.vccs.edu or fastforwardva.org.
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Photo (L-R): Ms. Carmella Thompson, WCC Nursing student; and, Mr. Caedmon Busby, WCC Machine Technology student & Student Government Association President.