Virginia College Application Week

WHEREAS, by 2018, 64% of all jobs in Virginia will require some postsecondary training beyond high school; and

WHEREAS, 65% of the most recent advertised online job openings in Virginia require some college education, with a high school diploma no longer enough to guarantee career-track employment that provides a living wage; and

WHEREAS, those individuals entering college after high school and completing a bachelor degree experience median wages in excess of $44,000 per year compared to approximately $31,000 per year for those who do not complete any college credential, ten years after entry into college; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Education is dedicated to ensuring that all Virginia K-12 students are provided a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and career; and

WHEREAS, during the week of November 26-30, 16 of Virginia's high schools will participate in a pilot program, with the assistance of trained school staff and college and community volunteers, that aims to assist their seniors in completing a college application; and

WHEREAS, during the week of November 26-30, I encourage all Virginia high school seniors to apply to the Commonwealth's world-class higher education institutions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize November 26-30, 2012 as VIRGINIA COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.