Two new maritime-focused lab schools have opened in Virginia, bringing the total number of such institutions in the state to 15. The Isle Maritime Trades Academy (IMTA) and the Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) are designed to prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.
Governor Glenn Youngkin attended a ceremony on September 24, 2025, celebrating the opening of these two schools. He stated, “Three and a half years ago, Virginia had zero lab schools. Today that number is now 15 schools serving 3,600 students across the Commonwealth–from Winchester to Wallops Island and from Southwest Virginia to Hampton Roads. Injecting innovation and expanding options for exploration, exposure, and experience in some of Virginia’s fastest-growing sectors unleashes tremendous opportunity. Thanks to strong partnerships between the private sector, localities and Virginia’s higher education community, students across the Commonwealth can pursue the hands-on skills needed for careers in maritime, health care, coding, data science, aerospace, or rural education.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson said, “The Isle Maritime Trades Academy and the Maritime Engineering and Environmental Sciences Lab School perfectly embody Virginia’s commitment to the 3Es—Enrollment, Employment, and Enlistment. These programs provide students with unparalleled hands-on education and real-world skills that lead directly to high-demand jobs and meaningful careers. The maritime welding pathway at the Isle Maritime Trades Academy offers a unique opportunity for public school students to master a highly specialized trade that supports our naval forces and national security. These lab schools are both vital in preparing the next generation of skilled workers and dedicated servicemembers, strengthening both our economy and our defense.”
Secretary of Education Aimee R. Guidera added: “The Commonwealth’s fifteen lab schools illustrate what’s possible when we give Virginians the chance to dream big. Communities are building the schools they need and want; places where teachers want to teach, parents want to send their children, and students want to learn. This is what happens when we collaborate, when we break the one-size-fits-all mold, and open doors to opportunity.”
Since Governor Youngkin launched his lab school initiative more than three years ago, thousands of students have enrolled in specialized programs spanning healthcare, aerospace, STEM fields, as well as maritime trades. These schools work with K-12 systems as well as higher education institutions alongside industry partners.
Dr. Karen Sanzo from Old Dominion University’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity said: “Yesterday’s event highlights the power of collaboration between education and industry to create new opportunities for students. ODU is proud to be part of this transformative effort, and we commend our colleagues at the Isle Maritime Trades Academy and Camp Community College for their work in bringing hands-on learning and career training to high school students interested in shipbuilding, marine welding, and beyond.”
Old Dominion University oversees nine lab schools partnered with its Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity (ODU-CEIO). The state Department of Education also created an Office of Innovation under Superintendent Gullickson’s leadership after it was announced in May 2022.
Currently serving about 3,600 students statewide through these lab schools—a figure projected to rise above 5,000 within two years—the administration has provided financial support totaling $75 million through operational grants since January 2024.
Joan Wodiska from the College Partnership Laboratory Schools Standing Committee commented: “Lab schools are free, locally-led and governed public schools, open by lottery, to any student in Virginia. We are grateful to the superintendents, school board members, teachers, maritime, military business and higher education leaders who came together with an innovative plan to educate students for high-wage high-demand jobs essential to Virginia’s economy. Public lab schools are blending K-12 and college to offer Virginia students a pathway to earn free college credit an associate’s degree or workplace credentials.”
The IMTA results from collaboration among Isle of Wight Public Schools; Paul D. Camp Community College; Huntington Ingalls Newport News Ship Building; offering dual enrollment courses in electrical/mechanical maritime engineering for upperclassmen who graduate with both a diploma/Associate degree.
MEESA is operated jointly by Old Dominion University; Newport News Public Schools; Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding; Hampton Roads Maritime Training System—with curriculum focusing on engineering/environmental studies/sustainable logistics—and expects its student body will grow from this year’s inaugural cohort over time.
For further details about these initiatives or specific program information see:
Virginia Department of Education Lab School Overview (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/lab-schools)
Map of Lab School Locations (https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/59c8b595a72e4c1ba21f16481f3d6d9a)
Old Dominion University Center for Educational Innovation & Opportunity – Impact Report (https://www.olddominionuniversity.edu/content/dam/odu/offices/ceio/docs/impact-report.pdf)
