Richmond – Community college innovation will be on display throughout next week at the General Assembly Building lobby. Students and leaders from across the commonwealth will be manning the lobby display; talking about the creative ways Virginia’s Community Colleges are working to ensure that every Virginian has the opportunity to access an affordable college education.  The featured programs include the Middle College program, Career Coaches, guaranteed transfer agreements with two-dozen four-year institutions and the Career Switchers program for working adults seeking to change careers and become a teacher.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to share with state lawmakers and the many people who visit the General Assembly some of the exciting and creative ways we are helping an increasing number of Virginians find opportunity,” said Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges.  “As the realities of the economy are felt on both family budgets and government budgets, I expect an even greater demand on the skills and knowledge our community colleges offer.  These efforts show that our colleges have the creativity and leadership we’ll need to get the job done.”

Community College Display Schedule

Monday, February 11 – Middle College

Tuesday, February 12 – Career Coaches

Wednesday, February 13 – VCCS Guaranteed Transfer Agreements

Thursday, February 14, - Career Switchers

Friday, February 15 – General Information

* The Community College display table will be in the lobby of the General Assembly Building.

Middle College is a program that serves high school dropouts in a college environment.  The program, offered at five community colleges (Danville, Germanna, J. Sargeant Reynolds, New River and Southside), allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 to simultaneously pursue a GED, and work to earn college credentials.  Out of every ten students Middle College serves, at least seven earn a GED; six earn a Career Readiness Certificate; and five enroll in a degree program.

Career Coaches are community college employees who work in local high schools to help students explore career aspirations and develop career plans.  Their ultimate goal is to increase the number of high school graduates who pursue post-secondary education and training and apprenticeship programs.  Over the past three years, the program has grown to 85 career coaches who work in 110 high schools across Virginia.  Last year, they served more than 50,000 students.  In even the first year, high schools served by career coaches are seeing a noticeable increase in the number of graduates heading onto college.

VCCS Guaranteed Transfer Agreements are held with two-dozen public and private four-year colleges and universities, mostly in Virginia.  The agreements allow students who complete their associate’s degree at a Virginia Community College with a specified GPA to automatically enroll at the four-year institution the following fall with junior standing.  Some agreements also include an offer of scholarship money specifically for the transfer students.

The Career Switchers program is designed to match boomers’ experience, skills and interests to “encore careers” in teaching critically needed subject areas.  Career Switchers offers flexible scheduling and an accelerated training schedule suited for people who are working full-time jobs they cannot afford to simply quit.  The Career Switchers pilot program began in early 2004.  The early results have been encouraging with more than 200 participants completing the first level.  One teacher who completed the program was named, by her school system, teacher of the year.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit myfuture.vccs.edu.

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