Virginia to open 6 academies emphasizing science, technology

Associated Press - November 18, 2007 2:15 PM ET
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia plans to open up to six new educational academies that will focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
The state hopes the new academies will boost the number of people who can start working in technical fields after high school.
The Governor's Career and Technical Academies would be established by next fall and would operate as collaborations between school divisions, colleges, local governments and businesses.
Officials say Governor Tim Kaine devoted a $500,000 grant to help set up the academies after business leaders told him that they need more skilled workers.
According to Kaine's office, 13 school divisions, seven community colleges, and two regional career and technical centers have submitted proposals.
The state Department of Education will administer the academies, which must meet guidelines established by the Virginia Board of Education.
Virginia has 17 governor's schools that offer curriculum that is more challenging than that of standard schools.
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