Reynolds Receives $250,000 Grant from Dominion Energy

Reynolds receives $250,000 grant from Dominion Energy to support culinary and workforce education opportunities in Richmond’s East End

Reynolds Community College has received a $250,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation to support need-based scholarships for residents of Richmond’s East End community. 

Dominion Energy’s investment helps bring to life a vibrant extension of Reynolds' footprint, broadening access to the college’s award-winning Culinary Arts program as well as dozens of other occupational and academic programs. Construction of a new state-of-the-art facility at the corner of 25th and Nine Mile Road in Church Hill began late last year. The facility is expected to open for classes in the fall of 2019 and will double culinary enrollment capacity. It will also help develop a talent pipeline of skilled culinary and hospitality professionals critically needed in Richmond’s burgeoning food scene.

“Richmond’s restaurant industry is on fire right now, so it’s the right time to invest in the programs and people that will make our community more vibrant and livable,” said Mark O. Webb, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, Dominion Energy.

“Dominion Energy’s generous investment will help Reynolds offer education and training opportunities that lead to sustainable employment and economic security,” said Dr. Gary L. Rhodes, Reynolds President. “At the end of the day it’s really families and communities that will benefit from this project.”

The college’s new space will also serve as a key access point for career planning, financial aid, enrollment assistance and job placement. A free shuttle for all students, which will loop from the East End site to the downtown and Parham Road campuses, will ease transportation and expand career preparation options for residents. 

Reynolds has engaged numerous partners throughout the life of the project, including the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bon Secours Richmond Health System, and leaders in philanthropy, small business, and the corporate and faith-based communities.

“This project is a great example of what can happen when we all work together,” said Webb. “It’s setting the stage for more great projects to come in and around downtown Richmond.”