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.

I am extremely passionate about giving back to the community and my opportunity to be Virginia’s next Lt. Governor. Of course the long hours and nights on the road take me away from my family. That is why this Sunday was so special, as I got to spend Mother’s Day with my mom, who came over to visit with Deneen, the kids, and me. It’s always nice to have 3 generations of Bowerbanks in the same room.

My mother has always been a source of inspiration for me. When I was 11 years old, my parents decided to move the family to America so that we could have a better life. While it wasn’t always easy, my mother worked hard to make sure that my siblings and I had the opportunity to succeed in life. Whether it was putting in long hours to make sure the bills were paid, helping me with my studies, or providing me with encouragement, my mother always put her children first. That is why it meant so much to me this Mother’s Day to have an opportunity to thank her for everything she’s done.

May 8, 2009

Alexandria, VA - Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank today finished up his 4 day, statewide Commonwealth Education Tour in Charlottesville and Northern Virginia with visits to the University of Virginia, Oak Hill Elementary School and Chantilly Academy.  Jon met with leaders of the Community Engagement Network at UVA, read to 4th graders at Oak Hill Elementary and toured Chantilly Academy's vocational education facilities.

At the University of Virginia, Jon spoke about the need for education and community partnerships.

"Partnerships between educational institutions and community organizations benefit the entire Commonwealth.  The community service programs that the University of Virginia offers through the Community Engagement Network are perfect examples of how these partnerships can benefit all groups involved, and we must do everything we can to support and foster these collaborations," Bowerbank said.

At Oak Hill Elementary School, Jon discussed the value of retaining and attracting high quality educators.

"Our educational personnel are a vital part of a child's education; they have the power to instill a love of learning in their students that will help them succeed in life.  As Lieutenant Governor I will be committed to making sure we have the absolute best teachers in our classrooms. On the Board of Supervisors I passed a 10% pay increase for teachers, and raising the salaries and benefits for Virginia's educators will be one of my priorities as Lieutenant Governor," Bowerbank said.

At Chantilly Academy, Jon talked about the importance of vocational education programs.

"Vocational education is often overlooked despite being one of the most important educational programs we can offer to many students.  Schools like Chantilly Academy offer programs that prepare students to begin successful careers right out of high school or with only a few years of additional training.  These programs not only benefit Virginia's youth, they benefit Virginia's economy, which cannot thrive without a skilled and trained workforce ready to do the jobs of tomorrow," Bowerbank said.

May 7, 2009

Norfolk, VA - Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate Jon Bowerbank today visited Richmond and Norfolk on his four-day, statewide Commonwealth Education Tour.  Jon toured the Youth Life Foundation of Richmond and the Norfolk State University RISE Campus.  He met with the organizations' staffs and discussed his recently released Education Plan.

In Richmond, Jon spoke about the importance of after school educational programs that help at-risk youth succeed.

"In order for our children to succeed, they need to be engaged outside the classroom as well as inside of it.  Youth programs that offer a safe, educational environment for kids lower drop out rates and improve academic performance.  The Youth Life Foundation of Richmond's commitment to helping at-risk youth learn and grow through mentoring and tutoring programs is a model for how charitable organizations can have a positive impact on communities," Bowerbank said.

In Norfolk, Jon discussed the need to invest in research programs at Virginia's universities.

"If Virginia is going to become a leader in the industries of tomorrow, we need research institutions and programs that will be instrumental to developing these fields.  New research facilities like Norfolk State University's RISE Campus that seek to foster partnerships between universities and government to produce innovative technological advancements are exactly the kind of programs Virginia needs," Bowerbank said.