Virginia Tech plans to open a research and economic development center in Halifax County as part of the university's outreach to Southside Virginia communities struggling with job losses, officials announced Thursday.

The new program based at Riverstone Technology Park outside of South Boston will focus primarily on the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The program will attempt to build research partnerships between Southside businesses and Tech as well as provide career training to local residents, all with the goal of stimulating economic development in the region.

Officials said the partnership could also lead to academic programs at Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and help produce content for the broadband Internet service planned for area.

Halifax County is giving Tech $180,000 for the program's first year.

"This is a research-driven initiative," John Dooley, vice provost for outreach and international affairs, said in a statement. "We will use our resources, including faculty expertise, for the economic and social well-being of this community."

Virginia Tech is already heavily involved in economic development efforts in neighboring Pittsylvania County. Earlier this year, state and local officials marked the opening of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. The institute is a joint project of Tech, Averett University and Danville Community College financed with local, state and federal dollars.

Located on former tobacco fields, the institute offers masters-level education and will host cutting-edge research into bioinformatics, polymers, automotive engineering and other sciences. University administrators and local officials hope that the presence of a Tech research facility in Southside will help attract additional industries to the region.

William Fitzgerald, chairman of the Halifax County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement that Halifax County officials approached Tech after seeing the university's work in neighboring Danville and Pittsylvania County.

"We are looking forward to many years of partnership," Fitzgerald said.