Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications at Dowell J. Howard High School in Winchester, Virginia. The launch event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
The new lab school results from collaboration between George Mason University, Laurel Ridge Community College, the Governor’s School at Mountain Vista, and six rural school divisions: Clarke, Fauquier, Page, Shenandoah, Warren Counties, and Winchester Public Schools.
“Back to School is in full swing across the Commonwealth, and with the launch of today’s Lab School even more Virginia high school students in the Shenandoah Valley will be able to seize and benefit from a great educational opportunity catered to their interests,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From Day One, we have made it our mission to restore excellence in education by raising the floor and removing the ceiling on innovative new ways for students to learn in-demand skills that are driving the careers of today and tomorrow. By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.”
The DSCA Lab School aims to prepare students for roles requiring data science expertise by offering programs designed for both students and teachers from rural areas. These initiatives focus on integrating data science, computing knowledge, and related applications into classroom instruction.
According to Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera: “Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2% in the next five years. The GMU DSCA Lab School will provide students in rural Virginia the exposure, experience, and expertise necessary to be part of this exciting sector.”
Serving Grades 11 and 12—and supporting Grade 10 applicants—the school centers its curriculum around data science while promoting STEM education more broadly. Students can participate in research projects with faculty members as well as internships or apprenticeships with business partners. They also have opportunities for experiential learning such as project-based assignments; some may earn certifications or microcredentials relevant to data analytics or complete college credits towards an associate’s degree.
Additionally, teachers statewide can engage with this lab school as a hub for enhancing their own teaching methods related to STEM fields.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson commented: “The GMU DSCA Lab School represents a forward-thinking approach to education, building a future-ready workforce that is equipped, empowered and ready to lead. Models like this between education and industry ensure more students are prepared for the digital economy and become leaders in innovation.”
Students will work on research projects guided by peers or faculty members while being mentored by representatives from companies involved with big data applications. The program includes global interactions such as connecting with peers from Puerto Rico or developing countries.
GMU Professor Padhu Seshaiyer leads efforts at the lab school: “The mission of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications is to create innovative pathways between an education and a career, and meaningful partnerships between students and teachers,” he said.“Students from rural school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands of the modern economy and essential for workforce readiness.”
For Grade 12 participants there are capstone options involving research projects led by university faculty alongside classroom instructors; apprenticeship opportunities via regional companies; or credentialing programs through organizations such as Google, Amazon or Cisco.
More information about laboratory schools across Virginia is available through resources provided by VDOE Laboratory Schools Overview.
