Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education (VICE)
Each spring, VCC sponsors the Virginia Institute on Cooperative Education, a leadership conference to educate high school juniors and seniors about cooperatives and the co-op form of business through interactive instruction that includes a live simulation, “Who’s Minding the Store?” Students gain teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, with top performers having the opportunity to receive up to $2,000 in educational scholarships.
Graves Mountain Lodge hosts the annual VICE conference. Students participate in team competition to run cooperative businesses. In doing so, they learn how to making marketing and financial decisions and interpret the results of their decisions through operating statements and financial reports. Participants also enjoy organized games and activities and delicious meals.
Next year’s event is schedule for March 20-22, 2026 at Graves Mountain Lodge; the application will be posted by December and is due by February 13, 2026. Student applicants are required to choose a cooperative business in Virginia and contact a staff member to learn more about the size and operation of this cooperative in their community. To be considered for college scholarships, students will complete a test based on the “Welcome to Cooperatives” manual and be evaluated on participation in activities during VICE, including the “Who’s Minding the Store” team simulation.
VICE evaluations consistently report that students find the conference fun and educational. They often write that they came to the conference knowing nothing about co-ops but leave with a fuller appreciation of this unique business form. They also provide positive feedback on the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy great food in a scenic rural setting. In recent years, 100% of participants said they would recommend VICE to a friend.