ChangeMakerZ Employer Application

Designed to attract and retain outstanding early talent in support of our region’s technology and biotechnology sectors, this 12-month, cohort-based, incentivized professional development experience facilitates STEM young professionals in finding their people, their place, and living their purpose in the beautiful and thriving Roanoke-Blacksburg area. The programmatic aim is to partner with our region’s employers to help retain the best and brightest young talent while strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Program incentives for young professional participants include:

Cash incentive for each participant who completes the program
Professional development in AI and technology topics
Registration for both a national AI conference and a young professional conference
Collaborative workspace for those working remotely
Professional networking
Arts, cultural, and recreational experiences
Being a valued member of a community with their peers

The program is limited to 20 young professionals in the cohort. Applications will be reviewed until April 30, 2025, or when the program fills.

Participant Qualifications and Expectations
STEM professionals within 7 years of having completed their associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degrees or will complete their degree by June 1, 2025. Before the application deadline, candidates must be employed by or seek remote work with a company with headquarters or operations in Virginia. Preference is given to candidates in technology or biotechnology living and working within the GO Virginia Region 2 area.

Candidates need to be able to travel an average of one day per week to Roanoke or Blacksburg areas to participate in program activities. Most of these activities will occur at the end of and/or following weekday business hours, with the potential for infrequent weekday luncheons and weekend experiences.

Program Dates
June 2025-May 2026

Employer Application Info and Costs
Employers should complete the online application below. Program costs for participating employers, per young professional participating, are $1,250 for RBTC members and $1,750 for non-RBTC members.

Company Name*

Company Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Primary Contact Name*

First NameLast Name

Primary Contact Email*

example@example.com

How many program participant spots would you like for your organization?*

0/5000

What is/are the name(s) of your employee(s) you wish to participate in this year's program? Please have them submit a candidate application, via the RBTC website, which includes a brief letter of support from your organization. *

0/5000

If seeking to fill vacancies with early talent at your organization, would you like RBTC to send you resumes of program applicants seeking employment opportunities in our region?*

YesNoN/A

How did you become aware of this program?*

The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the information provided and disclosed to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council and any other person authorized by the Council is permitted to review the information for selection purposes. Verification may be obtained from any source. We hereby release from liability any person submitting information to the Council for use in the selection of program participants.*

I Agree

I affirm that all statements made on this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that misrepresentation can become cause for denial of admission or expulsion from this program. I have also read the above statement and know that even if my organization or potential participants qualify for the program, based on a competitive application process, my organization or its recommended participant(s) may not be chosen. A RBTC team member will contact you upon acceptance to the program.*

I Agree

If your organization has participant(s) selected to the cohort, upon acceptance and prior to June 1, 2025, each participant will provide proof of employment as appropriate.*

I Agree

Signature*

Today's Date

Date

At the Verge Alliance, including RAMP and RBTC, we believe everyone should have access to the tech and biotech ecosystem and its opportunities. We are committed to involving individuals and partners equally and without discrimination of race (including hairstyle/texture), color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, military status, disability, or national origin.