Virginia Tech and others in Virginia explore 3-year degree pathways

 While most STEM majors will remain 4-year degree programs, many other majors could soon become more direct pathways to the workforce.

Jul 22, 2026 -

from AXIOS News (click to see original)

Virginia explores 3-year bachelor's degrees

• by Karri Peifer

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Stock: Getty Images

Virginia higher education leaders are exploring a three-year bachelor's degree, joining a growing national push to shorten college.

Why it matters: Students could enter the workforce a year sooner while potentially saving thousands in tuition and living expenses.

State of play: The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) announced last month that it's working with reps from several Virginia universities to explore 90-credit undergraduate degree programs.

• That would replace the traditional 120-credit, four-year model that's been the standard for most bachelor's degrees for more than a century.
• Virginia reps are working with counterparts in Ohio to develop the program, joining roughly a dozen other states that are offering or exploring a shorter degree option.
  
  

Zoom in: 11 of Virginia's 16 public universities and four private colleges have expressed "preliminary interest" so far, SCHEV spokesperson Bob Spieldenner tells Axios, cautioning that "the process is in the early stages" and unlikely to "work for most majors."

• Interested schools include Virginia Tech, VCU, George Mason, ODU, William & Mary, Radford, Longwood, Liberty and Virginia Union, Spieldenner says.

Alex Forward 2026 Q1 Updates

 ALX Forward Q1 2026 Updates

In 2025, the Alexandria City Council adopted “Strengthen our Economy” as one of the four priorities to provide a clear, guiding structure that connects budget decisions, policies, and programs to community needs. Under this priority, City Council adopted the ALX Forward Strategic Economic Framework on January 13, 2026 after a year plus community engagement effort.

In 2026 Q1, three working groups - Place-Based Development, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Workforce - have met to identify current initiatives and future work plans that align with the ALX Forward catalyst initiatives. Approximately 70 initiatives are underway or part of workplans. Additionally, the City Manager proposed $750,000 for five ALX Forward Catalytic Initiatives in FY27 ($325,000 for two place-based initiatives, $225,000 for two business retention & recruitment initiatives, and $200,000 for one entrepreneurial and innovation initiative). Below is a summary with highlights for Q1 and a lookahead below. 

• Place-Based Development: Over 30 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 4 strategies of Goal 1.
• Business/Entrepreneurship: Approximately 15 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 5 strategies across two goal areas (2. Business Retention and Recruitment; 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation).
• Workforce: Approximately 25 current and planned initiatives were identified within the 2 strategies across two goal areas (2. Business Retention and Recruitment; 3. Entrepreneurship and Innovation). 

In 2026 Q2, the workgroups will begin discussions on future initiatives, identifying gaps, and outlining the path forward.

Arlington Public Schools, Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech expand Ecosystem Initiatives

 

The Virginia Department of Education STEM leaders recognized the collaboration between the Career, Technical and Adult Education Office of Arlington Public Schools, the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech's, D.C. area Technical Education and Workforce Development programs with 2026 support for efforts to promote innovate STEM opportunities and workforce pathwaysfor all students.

Governor signs workforce education and training bills

 Governor Spanberger Signs Bills Into Law to Raise State Minimum Wage, Boost Workforce Training, & Support Economic Growth

The Governor Signed Bills to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 per Hour, Bring New Workers to Virginia’s Offshore Wind Industry, & Connect High School Students with Apprenticeships

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed into law legislation to incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, secure stronger wages for Virginians who feed and fuel the Commonwealth, and connect more Virginians with career opportunities.

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures. I am signing legislation to support the men and women who power our economy, including so many of the people who keep our agriculture industry strong — and we were proud to work with the Virginia Farm Bureau to strike a balance to protect farm workers and our vital farming industry.”

Spanberger continued, “Virginia’s competitive advantage is our talent. Preparing Virginia’s next generation to succeed not only helps young Virginians earn a good living, but it makes clear to businesses across the nation that they will thrive in our Commonwealth. Because investing in our workforce is a win for

Volunteers needed: Regional Invention Virginia / Invention DC Expo - April 18 - Alexandria

A few hours can make a lasting impact! 

Join us on April 18 at the Invention Virginia NoVA Regional Expo and be a part of a student inventor's journey!

Sign-up here:
https://lnkd.in/ex-HVs3q  

Community and Industry Experts Needed - Northern Virginia Young Inventors Event - Saturday April 18 - Potomac Yard Metro

 Participate in Invention Virginia's April 18 Northern Virginia Expo as either an Inventor or as a Industry or Community Professional - www.InventionVirginia.net or www.InventionDC.net.  

Saturday, April 18 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM  

No costs for Inventors or Families or Community and Industry Professionals.

We’re looking for industry professionals to:
🔹 Encourage and mentor student inventors
🔹 Share real-world insights on innovation
🔹 Provide supportive feedback on their ideas

Recruiting Industry professionals supporting young inventors - Saturday, April 18. 9am

Visit InventionVirginia.net to learn more and volunteer: