Virginia’s Community College System was recently awarded the Innovation in Government award for the development of an online career and educational tool called the Virginia Education Wizard. The award was given by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University as part of its Excellence in Virginia Government Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions that have a significant impact on Virginia’s citizens.
The Virginia Education Wizard, located at www.vawizard.org, allows users to narrow down their choice of career by taking a number of interest, value and skill assessment tests. It then provides information on colleges offering programs in the targeted subject area. The site also offers students and parents information on planning for college, including test preparation and financial aid. This is all accomplished with the assistance of an online guide, named Ginny, who walks users through each step.
Developed by Chmura Economics & Analytics in tandem with IT professionals at Virginia’s Community Colleges, the website pulls in real-time market data from Chmura Economics & Analytics. Since its launch in March 2009, more than 314,000 individual accounts have been created. The site also topped one million visits in August 2011. The tool is successfully being used not only by high school students, but also by career coaches and guidance counselors, as it provides one location with everything needed for the college planning process.
The success of the Virginia Education Wizard illustrates the strength of Virginia’s excellent education system, preparing a highly skilled workforce to support a wide variety of industry needs. Virginia’s Community College System was developed more than 40 years ago and provides occupational and technical training programs through its 23 schools across 40 campuses. With nearly half a million students taking classes each year, companies located in Virginia have access to a steady stream of highly trained employees.
To learn how Virginia’s quality workforce can support your industry click here.

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