Since education lays the foundation for opportunity, I strongly believe that students from all walks of life deserve access to a high quality education. That is why I have donated a large portion of my own time and financial resources to public schools and educational programs over the years. As Lieutenant Governor, improving and investing in our schools is going to remain one of my top priorities, and with that in mind, I recently released my education plan and embarked on a four day Education Tour throughout the Commonwealth.

One of my first stops on the Education Tour was to Richlands High School in Tazewell County. Richlands HS is one of the schools that my business has partnered with over the years to ensure that they have the resources and technology available to provide their students with the best education possible. While touring the facility, I was able to see firsthand the technology and science materials that my donations helped to secure, but I also noticed many areas that still need to improve in order for our children to truly have access to 21st century classrooms.

Later in the week, I toured the Chantilly Academy which is located in the same building as Chantilly High School in Fairfax County. Chantilly Academy features a variety of programs such as auto shop, engineering, and criminal justice. Students who enroll in these classes have a wonderful opportunity to get real training and a strong foundation in skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce right after graduation or a 2yr or 4yr institution.

While I was touring the high schools, many teachers commented on how successful high school students often have a strong educational foundation from their younger years. This is exactly why its so critical that we improve and expand access to early childhood education for every Virginia child. On my Education Tour I met with and discussed ways to expand and improve early childhood education with several groups like Girls, Inc in Bristol, the Youth Life Foundation in Richmond, the 4th grade GT classroom at Oak Hill Elementary, and the Head Start/TAP program in Roanoke. These programs are all critically important and as they provide children with the basic skills they will need to succeed in the classroom, in their social environment, and as future members of the workforce.

All the skills that were on display in the high schools and early childhood education facilities that I visited were ultimately utilized at the institutions of higher education that I also visited on my Education Tour. Danville Community College, for instance, has a workforce services program that allows students to obtain skills directly needed in the workplace in industries ranging from nursing to the construction trades. For those students wishing to continue their education even further, the RISE Campus at Norfolk State University allows graduate students to work closely with professors on applied research that develops advanced technologies that will ultimately greatly benefit the lives of all Virginians. Finally, the Community Engagement Network at the University of Virginia is an excellent example of the type of collaboration and partnership that harnesses the energy of thousands of students to give back to their community and enhance the educational opportunities of the local surrounding community while providing UVA students with hands on, real-world experience in the field of education, counseling, social work and youth development.

I was extremely honored to have the opportunity to tour these facilities over the last week and strongly believe that they illustrate how education can lay a foundation for future opportunity. As the campaign continues, I look forward to continuing to discuss my vision for investing in our public schools and our children’s future. To read my full Education Plan and find out more about my stops on the Education Tour please visit my website at www.jb2009.com.