Initiatives
- Study of Access Providers, Programs, and Services in the Commonwealth
- VirginiaMentor Website for Students
- SCHEV’s Collateral Campaign
- Virginia’s Career Planning System Webportal
- Professional Development Opportunity at VirginiaCAN
- “Super Saturday” for the FAFSA
- Education Workshops and Financial Aid Television Programs
- “College Night Virginia”
Study of Access Providers, Programs, and Services in the Commonwealth
SCHEV is partnering with other state agencies, private industry, and non-profit organizations to conduct an information campaign to demystify postsecondary education and increase services to assist students with transition from high school to postsecondary education.
The initiatives to increase awareness of and access to post-high school education opportunities include the following:
SCHEV and its partners will conduct a comprehensive study of access services/initiatives, programs, and providers, statewide. The study will involve quantitative and qualitative data. Access providers or organizations providing access services, assistance, or support to students and their families are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Barry Simmons at simmonsb@vt.edu or Dr. Nathan Alleman at nfalle@wm.edu to ensure inclusion in the study. Utilizing results from the study, staff will investigate areas in the state that are underserved or unserved by an access provider/program and provide an “access tool kit” to area leaders to initiate the development of an access program. Access study partners include W&M, VA Tech, and Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN).
VirginiaMentor Website for Students
The VirginiaMentor website (VirginiaMentor.org) continues to have great usage statewide. The site will be redesigned and all information updated to assist students with college search, career information, and financial aid and scholarship information. The revamped site will be available by December 1, 2008. A flyer will be mailed to all middle and high school counselors, college admissions officers and financial aid officers, and VCCS career coaches. XAP corporation is the partner.
SCHEV’s Collateral CampaignSCHEV will conduct a statewide collateral/communication campaign to increase the awareness of the value of postsecondary education options. The information will be broadcast through multiple and varied venues and the messages will be specifically tailored to reach students and families “where they are." The campaign will provide messages in a manner that speaks to and supports the diverse, regional attributes of Virginia.
Virginia’s Career Planning System Webportal
SCHEV and its partners will develop and launch an internet-based career planning system web portal. The portal will provide students with opportunities to explore career planning. The anticipated launch date is fall 2009. The Department of Education (DOE), the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), the Virginia College Savings Plan (CSP), and Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) are the partners.
Professional Development Opportunity at VirginiaCAN
Middle and high school counselors, financial aid and admission officers working at postsecondary education institutions, and VCCS career coaches will be offered a professional development opportunity to attend the annual VirginiaCAN conference on December 10-12, 2008 in Staunton, Virginia. A stipend for the conference registration fee and hotel accommodation will be awarded for up to 50 selected participants. Additionally, four one-day workshops will be conducted in selected regions of the state to provide a professional development opportunity for education professionals who did not attend the conference. Visit VirginiaCAN’s website for more details. VirginiaCAN and ECMC are the partners.
“Super Saturday” for the FAFSA
“Super Saturday” workshops will be conducted in five selected locations (Lee County, Buchanan County, Portsmouth, Petersburg and Richmond) on Saturday, January 31, 2009 to provide students and their parents with the opportunity to receive financial literacy information and complete the FAFSA on line. Local advertisements will appear on billboards, in movie theatres, and in print media. A toll free information line to provide additional details will be available by November 14, 2008. The Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA) is the partner.
Education Workshops and Financial Aid Television Programs
The Virginia Tidewater Consortium for Higher Education will offer 24 education workshops in selected locations to students and their families living in the central and eastern regions of the Commonwealth. The workshops will provide attendees with information on financial aid for college, the importance of post-high school education, applying for and enrolling in college, and career exploration. If possible, one-on-one counseling will be available. Advertising will be done through print media to schools, state agencies, and local social service agencies. Specific dates and locations will be available on this website and on the VTCHE web site. Four television programs on financial aid and funding opportunities to pay for postsecondary education will air on VTCHE’s Higher Education Digital Cable Channel 106 throughout 2008 and 2009.
“College Night Virginia”
Site Location and Contact List
Project Discovery, Inc. will offer “College Night Virginia” in up to 18 selected locations, statewide on Monday, November 17, 2008. Information on the event and specific locations and time of events will be available at www.collegenightinva.org. Information will be sent to lead guidance personnel in all school systems and the events will also be advertised through local media. Students and families will receive information on applying to and financing post high school educational endeavors. Project Discovery, Inc. is the partner.
If you or someone you know would like to volunteer or get involved in an initiative, contact SCHEV and/or the partner listed.