Prepare students to learn, work, contribute and lead.

Objectives related to students' readiness:

1. To learn (postsecondary education readiness)
2. To work ( employment/career readiness)
3. To contribute (civil discourse, civic knowledge)
4. To lead (civic leadership, workplace leadership, innovation)

Supporting Strategies

1.1.  Establish formal partnerships between VDOE, SCHEV and institutions to align exit and entry standards regarding college readiness. Topics include academic skills, soft skills, life skills, career exploration and SOL alignment to work/careers. 

1.2.  Increase collaboration and commitments between Virginia K-12, post-secondary institutions, and employers to improve pathways alignment and enhance career readiness via career-focused education and work-based learning (e.g., certifications in high-demand fields, apprenticeships, and internships).

1.3. Incorporate civic knowledge, civil discourse, service-learning opportunities and leadership development into the Virginia college experience - what it means to be part of a community and what it means to lead in an environment of diverse perspectives.

Align to the needs of students, industry, labor markets, regional economies, and Virginians.

Objectives related to institutions' responsiveness:

1. To student needs (mental health, basic supports, alternative pathways, etc.)
2. To industry needs (technological and other innovations), alignment to labor market needs and regional economies
3. To Virginians’ needs (higher ed finance, demographic changes)
4. To societal and cultural needs (research and innovation, political polarization and declining confidence in institutions)

Supporting Strategies

2.1 Expand mental health training and services as well as basic need supports to students, faculty and staff.

2.2.a. Foster sustainable industry partnerships and commitments to co-develop training, re-skilling, work-based learning and credentialing programs, and integrate technological literacy and ethics, especially regarding AI and other advancing technologies, into the college experience.

2.2.b. Encourage development of agile, responsive, student-centered curriculum policies for faster adaptation to industry and technological shifts.

2.3.a. Champion innovative funding strategies and efficiencies (e.g., enrollment and infrastructure management) that support affordable access to public higher education.

2.3.b. Increase outreach and supports to engage and retain non-traditional students (e.g., adult learners, military, incarcerated, etc.).

2.4. Establish new and strengthen existing innovation ecosystems around research conducted by Virginia universities to commercialize research discoveries that address societal needs and advance entrepreneurship and startup formation.

Articulate and emphasize the value of higher education.

Objectives related to higher education’s pertinence and value:

1. To students – sense of belonging/access (males, low income and under-represented populations)
2. To work ( employment/career readiness)
3. To students/families (affordable and alternative pathways)
4. To Virginians (the broad value of Virginia higher ed, its efficiency and effectiveness)

Supporting Strategies

3.1.  Implement a cross-sector communication campaign on the value of Virginia higher ed that links existing resources for ease of use; expand access programming (including FAFSA completion, college advising and career coaches for K-12 and college students) as well as enhance the college application process for Virginians.

3.2.a. Improve transparency to students and families: Provide cost transparency and more consistent financial aid award and scholarship information, and education earlier in the college decision-making process.

3.2.b.  Promote non-traditional pathways toward credential completion: Credit for prior learning/experience; stackable credentials as package toward completion; consider 3-year degree pathways and transfer agreements for high school dual enrollment and advanced placement courses.

3.3. Improve transparency to Virginians on institutions’ outcomes and return on investment including graduate employment rates, and their economic impact.