Aris Bearse

This document is a transcript of a discussion centered on the economic impact and contributions of Virginia Community Colleges. It details the significant return on investment for both students and the state, highlighting the colleges' agility in adapting to an AI-based economy by providing essential skills for high-paying, 'AI-proof' jobs. The discussion underscores the role of community colleges in solving workforce problems and suggests a reevaluation of the funding model to prioritize skills-based education.

This interview transcript outlines the strategic direction of the Virginia Community College System in addressing the state's middle skills gap. It emphasizes the critical role of industry partnerships to provide relevant credentials and training. Key objectives include strengthening communities, cultivating strategic collaborations with businesses and local governments, and bolstering Virginia's economy through a highly skilled and trained workforce.

The 'Accelerate Opportunity' strategic plan for the Virginia Community College System aims to accelerate opportunity for Virginians by focusing on speed, convergence, and adaptability, aligning with industry pace. Its overarching goal is to award 300,000 cumulative meaningful credentials by 2030. The plan is structured around five key objectives: developing Virginia's talent, reaching more Virginians, delivering education to today's learners, supporting today's learners, and investing in Virginia's workforce. The intended outcomes include reshaping Virginia's educational and economic landscape, strengthening communities, and driving the state's economy forward.

The Accelerate Opportunity strategic plan (2024-2030) for Virginia's Community Colleges aims to award 300,000 cumulative meaningful credentials by 2030. It focuses on five key objectives: Developing Virginia's Talent (providing students with necessary skills and credentials for 21st-century careers); Reaching More Virginians (expanding the talent pipeline for Virginia employers); Delivering Education to Today's Learners (supporting educational excellence through high-impact instructional practices); Supporting Today's Learners (providing a culture of care and support for students); and Investing in Virginia's Workforce (providing access to affordable education and supporting the sustainability of colleges). Each objective includes specific, measurable targets to be achieved by 2030, covering areas such as dual enrollment credentials, FastForward program completion, graduate employment in high-demand fields, student enrollment increases, online learning expansion, financial aid access, and college infrastructure improvements.

The Virginia Community College System's (VCCS) strategic plan, Accelerate Opportunity, outlines five key objectives for 2023-2030. Objective 1 focuses on developing Virginia's talent by providing students with the skills and credentials needed for 21st-century careers, aiming for 12,500 postsecondary credentials for dual/concurrently enrolled students and increased FastForward completion and credential awards. Objective 2 aims to reach more Virginians by expanding the talent pipeline, targeting increased enrollment in high-demand fields, FastForward participation, application yield, working-age adult enrollment, and enrollment of military-affiliated and incarcerated students. Objective 3 focuses on delivering education to today's learners by enhancing faculty professional development, offering shortened and online course sessions, and expanding credit-for-prior-learning options. Objective 4 supports today's learners through increased financial aid applications, professional development for support staff, expanded internship/apprenticeship opportunities, and enhanced wrap-around support services. Objective 5 invests in Virginia's workforce by addressing licensure/certification fees, seeking additional funding, improving facilities, and reviewing fee structures and funding models. The overarching goal is to award 300,000 cumulative meaningful credentials by 2030.