About VIA

Mission Statement:  Drive workforce development and economic competitiveness across the VIA region through education, scientific discovery, and conversion of discoveries into products and services that improve life.

Valley Innovation Alliance.  In February 2007, the Tennessee Valley region consisting of 23 counties in North Alabama/South Central Tennessee (see map) was awarded a US Department of Labor grant for $5 million in WIRED (Workforce Innovation for Regional Economic Development) funding through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).  Grant funds support student training and worker retraining into 21st-century job opportunities in high growth sectors of biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.  Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama is the lead agency for the VIA Initiative.