Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is celebrating alongside educators and industry leaders the opening of two new lab schools.
Just three years ago, Virginia had no laboratory schools — elementary or secondary institutions partnered with universities, colleges, or other educational organizations to bring innovation directly to K-12 education. Today, the schools also play a critical role in preparing future educators and offering ongoing professional development in the state.
The Isle Maritime Trades Academy (IMTA) and the Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) are now two of 15 schools that serve thousands of students across the state.
“Injecting innovation and expanding options for exploration, exposure, and experience in some of Virginia’s fastest-growing sectors unleashes tremendous opportunity,” Youngkin said in a press release. “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.”
Through the launch of the lab school initiative, students are now able to learn about a range of subjects, from health care, aerospace, maritime trades, to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson said both IMTA and MEESA embody the state’s commitment to “the 3E’s” — enrollment, employment, and enlistment. She said the programs provide students hands-on education and real-world skills.
“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,” Gullickson said. “These lab schools are both vital in preparing the next generation of skilled workers and dedicated servicemembers, strengthening both our economy and our defense.”
The number of students involved in lab schools is expected to rise over the next two years from 3,600 to more than 5,000. More than 60 school divisions across all 15 lab schools have partnered with the Youngkin administration and the Department of Education to further advance access.
Secretary of Education Aimee R. Guidera said the lab schools demonstrate what is possible when people are given 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,” Guidera said. “This is what happens when we collaborate, when we break the one-size-fits-all mold, and open doors to opportunity.”
College Partnership Laboratory Schools Standing Committee Chair Joan Wodiska emphasized that lab schools are free, locally led, governed by public schools, and open by lottery to any student residing 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,” Wodiska said. “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.”
