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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Fall 2016 21
within the context of their individual career interests. Participants
enjoyed a fast-paced, exciting, and relevant hands-on experience with
students and staff who shared their passion for CTE.
As part of the program, students were introduced to Workplace
Readiness Skills (as identified by Virginia’s business and industry)
and how these skills are necessary in all aspects of any job. Local
tours of businesses and behind the scenes visits included the Morooka
America LLC manufacturing plant; the Richmond International
Raceway; Kings Dominion; The Martin Agency; the Diamond, home
of the Richmond Flying Squirrels; the U.S. Defense Supply Center;
and Virginia Commonwealth University. These visits, and several
others, provided the students with insight into developing their
business plans and projects, using critical-thinking and problem-
solving skills to advance their projects and reinforce the practical
application of specific skills. Specialty groups and team meetings
included working with mentors and visiting with guest speakers.
Near the end of the program, student groups presented their solutions
before the cohort and a panel of mentor judges.
To appreciate the work of the students who participated in the
program, the guest speakers from the community, and the projects
The HRGS-CTA presents a model to be replicated in other school
divisions across Virginia and to meet the ever-growing demand for
career-ready individuals. It is supported by a leadership council
composed of representatives from participating school divisions,
along with a steering group whose function is to provide guidance and
practical support during the planning and implementation phases of
the summer program. Representatives from postsecondary education,
local business and industry groups, and economic development
participated in the planning and implementation phases.
Dr. Brenda D. Long, Executive Director, Virginia Association for
Career and Technical Education.
The Hanover Regional Governor’s
School for Career and Technical
Advancement (HRGS-CTA) launched its
inaugural three-week residential program
housed on the University of Richmond’s
campus this summer.
As noted by the HRGS-CTA,
educational programs for students identified
as or considered to be gifted and talented
had focused on one of three general areas:
academic achievement (e.g., mathematics/
science), visual and performing arts,
or leadership. This left a gap in the preparation of students who
have demonstrated advanced achievement in career and technical
education (CTE). The HRGS-CTA addresses this gap in educational
programming for gifted CTE students. By extending, enriching,
and advancing their skills, selected students enhance their ability to
analyze, synthesize, and apply their talents and CTE skill sets in the
classroom, workplace, and marketplace.
The HRGS-CTA proposed a dynamic and innovative three-week
residential program for the advancement of gifted CTE students in
Superintendent’s Regions 1 and 3. These regions comprise 32 school
divisions, and the goal was to select 40 students whose strengths and
interests represent a variety of career clusters. The expectation is that
the number of students will grow in coming years.
Applicants are rising juniors who are enrolled in at least one CTE
course with a grade of B or better and expect to continue in the CTE
program during their final two years of high school, or rising seniors
who have completed at least one credit in a CTE course and/or are
currently enrolled in a CTE course with a grade of B or better and
expect to continue in the CTE program during their final year of high
school.
The HRGS-CTA worked to increase opportunities to enhance
students’ workforce preparedness, meet the Commonwealth’s
workforce needs, and advance The NewVirginia Economy initiative.
The program was designed for gifted CTE students who
demonstrate accomplishment, aptitude, and interest in CTE curricula
and careers. Consistent with the Regulations Governing Educational
Services for Gifted Students, including a specific definition for
giftedness in CTE, participating school divisions identified students
who demonstrated or showed the potential for high levels of
accomplishment in CTE.
The program focused on the development of workplace readiness
and entrepreneurial skills. Students cultivated and honed these skills
through participating in group problem-solving activities, listening
to guest speakers from the business and academic communities,
visiting regional businesses recognized as leaders in their fields, and
experiencing mentorships designed to highlight workplace readiness
The Governor’s School for
Career and Technical Education Takes Off By Brenda Long
KEGLEY & COMPANY
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160 East Main Street
Abingdon, Virginia 24210 Telephone 276-628-1108
Duke Kegley
Dr. Brenda D. Long
Executive Director
(540) 760-2504 FAX (540) 961-4392
email
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