Governor Kaine Announces Commonwealth Scholars Program
– Eleven school divisions to participate in initial effort –

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a pilot program and promotional campaign to encourage students in 11 participating school divisions to take rigorous courses that go beyond the minimum graduation requirements for a Standard Diploma.  Students who complete a suggested course of more rigorous study will be recognized as Commonwealth Scholars.

The Commonwealth Scholars course requirements fall between existing requirements for the Standard Diploma and the Advanced Studies Diploma. Students who complete the curriculum will be eligible to receive a diploma seal from their school division recognizing their achievement.  Virginia was one of eight states selected in a national competition to participate in the federal grant program.

“Virginia students have demonstrated they can respond to challenges,” said Governor Kaine. “The Commonwealth Scholars program will challenge those students who may not be on track for an Advanced Studies diploma to continue to reach higher, striving to move from competence to excellence.”

The Commonwealth Scholars program is funded by a two-year, $300,000 “State Scholars Initiative” grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The participating school divisions include Albemarle County, Alexandria, Bristol, Carroll County, Chesterfield County, Henry County, Lancaster County, Nottoway County, Richmond, Roanoke County, and Scott County.  School divisions were selected based on their interest in the program and their ability to meet the requirements of the grant.

The program will train private-sector volunteers to make presentations on how rigorous high school courses can enhance career opportunities. The program also will provide instructional support for students who pursue the Commonwealth Scholars Core Course of Study, which includes four years of English, three years of mathematics (Algebra I and II, and geometry), three years of science (biology, chemistry, and physics), three and a half years of social studies (selected from U.S. and Virginia history, world history, geography, economics and financial literacy, U.S. and Virginia government), two years of health and physical education, and two years of a language other than English.

The program is based on research that shows a strong link between the academic rigor of students’ high school course of study and postsecondary degree completion. For example, 40 percent of students who took Algebra II in high school earned a bachelor’s degree, compared with 23 percent of those who stopped with geometry.

Virginia’s initiative will be led by the Virginia Career Education Foundation (VCEF), a statewide business/education partnership.  VCEF will work with participating school divisions to develop partnerships with local businesses and promote the program.

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