MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Butterworth
PR Coordinator
(804) 516-8473
2.18.26
RICHMOND, VA – More than 200 students and college administrators representing Virginia’s 23 community colleges are at the General Assembly today for Community College Student Day, meeting directly with state lawmakers to share how access to affordable education and workforce training is shaping their futures and Virginia’s economy.
Students and college leaders from across the Commonwealth are gathering in Richmond as part of a coordinated, single-day advocacy effort. Throughout the morning, student delegations are meeting with members of the House of Delegates and Senate to discuss workforce needs, career pathways, and the role community colleges play in expanding opportunity statewide.
“Virginia’s community college students are our best advocates,” said Dr. David Doré, Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. “They represent working adults, parents, first-generation college students, and future transfer students, people whose success depends on continued investment in education that is affordable, accessible, and aligned with real workforce demand.”
Community College Student Day is part of the Virginia Community College System’s broader engagement during the 2026 General Assembly session around priorities including expanded dual enrollment, increased access to workforce training and financial assistance, and continued investment in regionally aligned workforce programs.
Virginia’s Community Colleges serve nearly half of all public undergraduate students in the Commonwealth (48%) and generate $11.6 billion in annual economic activity. Notably, the system has the second-highest rate in Virginia of graduates working in-state five years after graduation (78%) yet receives the lowest per-student funding among Virginia’s public higher-education institutions, underscoring both the return on investment community colleges deliver and the challenges they face in meeting growing workforce demand.
Students are sharing personal experiences related to dual enrollment, short-term workforce credentials through the system’s FastForward program, transfer pathways, and other efforts such as G3, the Commonwealth’s tuition assistance initiative for students pursuing high-demand career fields. Colleges are also highlighting the system’s role as a primary talent pipeline for regional employers and communities.
Later in the day the student groups will be recognized from the floor of either the Virginia Senate or House of Delegates, reflecting bipartisan recognition of the role community colleges play in workforce development, economic growth, and regional vitality.
Photos from the day and additional information will be shared following the event.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS), founded in 1966, plays a crucial role in providing higher education and workforce training across the state. With 23 colleges serving the diverse needs of the commonwealth, VCCS supports over 230,000 students annually. Notably, Virginia’s community colleges account for nearly half (48%) of all public undergraduate students in the state. With more than 5.5 million alumni, VCCS is not just a singular institution; it represents Virginia’s commitment to accessible education. The system connects with nearly every household in Virginia through various programs, including high school dual enrollment, workforce credentials, and affordable degree pathways, making higher education attainable for all.
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