NOVA Proposes Governor's Academy in Arlington

Teachers and administrators recently met at the Arlington Career Center to map dual enrollment opportunities between NOVA and Arlington Public Schools (APS). The February 21 meeting was part of a larger effort to develop a joint Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy in Arlington. The group is seeking Governor’s Academy status, a new designation available for CTE centers in Virginia that provide a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enriched curricula. The purpose is to improve college readiness, high school graduation and college graduation outcomes, while preparing students for employment in a high-tech, knowledge-based economy.

The NOVA/APS venture was recently awarded a grant worth up to $120,000 by the Virginia Department of Education and is planning to offer classes this fall. The partnership intends to gradually implement a high school/middle college program at the Arlington Career Center. The idea is for students to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree in five years. Certificates, industry certifications and internships will also be available to Academy students. Virginia Tech will facilitate a cross-disciplinary pedagogy, providing staff development in Integrative-STEM Education. Participating NOVA and APS instructors will begin professional development activities this summer.

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