Press Release - Governor Kaine Launches Commonwealth Scholars Program

Press Release - Governor Kaine Launches Commonwealth Scholars Program

- Enlists business leaders to promote more rigorous coursework -

RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today launched the Commonwealth Scholars Program under the aegis of the Virginia Career Education Foundation (VCEF), a statewide business/education partnership that has been tasked with leading the Commonwealth Scholars initiative. The VCEF will work with participating school divisions to develop partnerships with local businesses and promote the program.

The Commonwealth Scholars is a pilot program and promotional campaign, supported by various private sector businesses and public sector organizations, to encourage students to engage in more rigorous courses that go beyond the minimum graduation requirements for a Standard Diploma. Virginia was one of eight states selected in a national competition to participate in the federal grant program.

"Virginia students over the past year have posted the largest increases in mathematical achievement in the nation on the SAT1 exam, and 10 of our schools were ranked among the nation's 100 best," said Governor Kaine. "The VCEF, working with regional business partners, is leading the effort to continue to challenge Virginia's students to excel through programs like Commonwealth Scholars, which will assist our state in maintaining its competitive edge in the global economy."

Funded by a two-year, $300,000 "State Scholars Initiative" grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the Commonwealth Scholars program is currently being implemented in the following 11 Virginia school divisions: Albemarle County, Alexandria, Bristol, Carroll County, Chesterfield County, Henry County, Lancaster County, Nottoway County, Richmond, Roanoke County, and Scott County. School divisions were selected based on their interest in the program and their ability to meet the requirements of the grant.

The program will train private-sector volunteers to make presentations on how rigorous high school courses can enhance career opportunities. The program also will provide instructional support for students who pursue the Commonwealth Scholars Core Course of Study, which includes four years of English, three years of mathematics (Algebra I and II, and geometry), three years of science (biology, chemistry, and physics), three and a half years of social studies (selected from U.S. and Virginia history, world history, geography, economics and financial literacy, U.S. and Virginia government), two years of health and physical education, and two years of a language other than English.

The Virginia Career Education Foundation is a public-private partnership charged with raising funds and supporting educational initiatives at the middle and high school level that promote quality technical programs and draw greater attention to technical career opportunities being created in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=248