Developing Tomorrow's Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, 2026-2032

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Developing Tomorrow's Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, 2026-2032
Language: English
Authors: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Source: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 2025.
Availability: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. 101 North 14th Street, James Monroe Building, Richmond, VA 23219. Tel: 804-225-2600; Fax: 804-225-2604; Web site: http://www.schev.edu
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 68
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Higher Education, Career Readiness, Work Based Learning, Relevance (Education), Paying for College, Ability, Enrollment Rate, Citizen Participation, Education Work Relationship, Labor Force Development, Educational Needs, State Policy
Geographic Terms: Virginia
Abstract: Virginia's economic future depends on its talent, and higher education plays a central role in developing that talent -- preparing students for careers, leadership and civic life. "Developing Tomorrow's Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education" (The Plan) provides a strategic roadmap for Virginia to be the top state for talent -- learning to leading. To achieve this vision, the Commonwealth must ensure student readiness, strengthen institutional responsiveness and demonstrate clearly the relevance of higher education, now and in the future. The Plan was shaped by broad stakeholder engagement and informed by national and state contexts, including the lingering effects of the pandemic learning loss, declining confidence in institutions (including higher education), demographic shifts leading to the "enrollment cliff," affordability pressures and the uncertain impact of changing technologies, including artificial intelligence, on the workforce. Three goals -- READY, RESPONSIVE and RELEVANT -- guide this plan: (1) Student Readiness -- Prepare students not only for work but for leadership and civic contribution. This goal can be achieved by ensuring academic preparation, career readiness through work-based learning, and holistic skills such as resiliency, critical thinking and civic knowledge; (2) Institutional Responsiveness -- Ensure that colleges and universities are able to adapt quickly to changing student needs, labor market demands, demographic realities and societal challenges. This goal can be achieved by expanding mental health support, fostering industry partnerships, creating flexible pathways for non-traditional learners, and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems; and (3) Higher Education's Relevance -- Demonstrate the current, ongoing and future value of higher education by improving access, affordability, transparency and outcomes. This goal can be achieved by providing clear information on costs and aid, expanding alternative pathways and demonstrating higher education's return on investment to Virginians and contributions to the economy and society. The Plan is designed as a living document -- framed by a vision, goals, objectives and strategies with measures to assess progress. By committing to student readiness, institutional responsiveness and demonstrated postsecondary relevance, the Commonwealth will position itself as the "Top State for Talent -- Learning to Leading."
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: ED679895
Database: ERIC
Be the first to leave a comment!
You must be logged in first