EO Secures $1.5M Federal Grant to Strengthen Youth Healthcare Workforce in Southwest Virginia

EO Companies (EO) has received a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch a new regional initiative focused on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Southwest Virginia. Project HEALTH will expand access to training, career development, and critical support services for youth interested in healthcare careers.

Project HEALTH, a three-year initiative, will serve in-school youth ages 14–21 and out-of-school youth ages 16–24 across the City of Norton and the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, and Wise.

A Strategic Investment in the Region’s Health and Workforce

In collaboration with key partners — including Ballad Health, Buchanan General Hospital, Mountain Empire Community College, Southwest Virginia Community College, and the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board — EO will support the development of career pathways and hands-on opportunities that connect young people with real-world healthcare experience.

“Healthcare is one of our region’s most promising industries for long-term employment,” said Travis Staton, President and CEO of EO. “By investing in our young people now, we’re not only improving individual futures but also building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system that benefits us all.”

Core Components of the Initiative:

• Career Pathway Development – Participants will explore in-demand healthcare careers and the training required to pursue them.

• Targeted Recruitment & Outreach – EO will partner with local schools and workforce entities to engage youth at various stages of career readiness.

• Participant Support Services – Supports such as transportation, childcare, professional attire, technology, tuition assistance, and mentoring will be provided to ensure success.

• Hands-On Training & Employment Support – Youth will have access to internships, job shadowing, and job placement opportunities with regional healthcare providers.

“Our communities urgently need more skilled healthcare workers,” said Crystal Breeding, Program Director at EO. “This initiative will create accessible pathways for young people to step into those roles by removing barriers that too often hold them back.”

About EO

EO Companies is a Virginia-based nonprofit organization with a mission to research, pilot, and scale innovative solutions so communities can thrive. With a 60-year history of impact — including programs like the Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, the Rural Summit, and Ignite Career Commons — EO is a trusted leader in workforce innovation, education, and wellness across the region.

To learn more or get involved, visit EOco.org/WorkforceInnovation

About the Grant

Outreach funding for this project is supported by 0.025% of the federal U.S. Department of Labor in accordance with the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 6 award of $1,500,000 made to EO Companies. The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.