EO’s mission is to research, pilot, and scale innovative solutions so that people and communities can thrive.
Learn MoreAs the needs of Southwest Virginians change, so too do the best practices for meeting those needs.
Learn MoreJoin us in our fight for our friends and neighbors in Southwest Virginia by exploring the options below.
Learn MoreTogether, we can create endless opportunities for our region to thrive.
Our PurposeHere you will find our regularly published findings, stories, reports, and videos about our impact in Workforce Innovation and Early Childhood Care and Education. Search for content by using the filters below or by using the keyword search field.
Do you have a story about our work or impact that you want to share? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at info@eoco.org and we'll be in touch.
Press Releases
EO Companies to Expand Employer-Led Internships Among Higher Education Students
ABINGDON, Va. — Oct. 23, 2025 —EO Companies (EO) is launching new programming to strengthen employer engagement and expand high-quality paid internship opportunities for higher education students across Central and Southwest Virginia. The program, known as the Innovative Internship Program, is a state-funded initiative designed to help businesses create and launch meaningful internship programs that...
October 23, 2025
Articles
"More than 300 requests for help have come in from residents, said Travis Staton, president and CEO of United Way of Southwest Virginia, which has...
November 01, 2022
Articles
Lab school focusing on health care planned for Southwest Virginia
"Carter, David Matlock, executive director of the Higher Education Center, and Smyth County Community Hospital CEO Dale Clark discussed the project with Virginia Secretary of...
October 28, 2022
Articles
United Way of Southwest Virginia hosts annual Rural Summit
"Tackling important issues impacting our communities -- that was the goal of the United Way of Southwest Virginia's annual Rural Summit. "To be able to turn...
October 28, 2022
Articles
Rural Summit looks to improve key SWVA data points
"Leaders and stakeholders from throughout Southwest Virginia began a two-day Rural Summit Thursday at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon looking at data...
October 27, 2022
Articles
Southwest Virginia Rural Summit to be held in Abingdon
"The summit was launched in 2013, when local leaders realized there wasn’t a single event that brought business leaders, local officials, school superintendents, those involved...
October 25, 2022
Press Releases
Information session planned for Hurley residents affected by 2021 flooding
October 25, 2022
Press Releases
First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin to attend 2022 Rural Summit, named as honorary chair
October 06, 2022
Articles
Registration for 2022 United Way Rural Summit now open
"The United Way of Southwest Virginia continues to help community members connect and thrive. Their mission continues this October through the annual Rural Summit being...
October 05, 2022
Articles
The United Way of SWVA Rural Summit - Kristy Worley Interview
Watch the interview here.
October 03, 2022
Articles
Students learn about careers in interactive setting at Washington County, Va. Fairgrounds
Watch WCYB's coverage of the 2022 Ignite Careers Expo for Youth Here
September 27, 2022