Roanoke touts workforce gains: 2,500 industry certifications and expansion of adult high school

Mayor Cobb emphasized workforce development as a foundation for Roanoke's economic growth, saying local educational institutions and city programs are helping students gain industry certifications and paid internship experience. "Students earned 2,500 industry certifications—the most in Roanoke City public school history," he said, and added that the district reported a 100 percent graduation rate for students completing a two-year career and technical education pathway.

He also recognized the Melrose Plaza Excel Center, described in the address as Virginia's first adult high school, which the mayor said served about 350 students in its first year and provided on-site childcare that supported adult learners. Cobb thanked education partners and noted recent state actions that create funding stability for community programs aimed at youth and apprenticeships.