Virginia Code Title 23.1. Institutions of Higher Education;  Other Educational and Cultural Institutions § 23.1-2109. Courses of study

1. Broker agreements between and among educational, industry, and nonprofit partners and establish collaborative, innovative partnership agreements with local school divisions, public and private institutions of higher education, economic development agencies, employers, philanthropic organizations, veterans organizations, public agencies, and such other partners as necessary to strengthen and streamline educational pathways from high school to work-based learning and associate, baccalaureate, and advanced degrees that prepare students, including nontraditional students, for continuing education and entry into high-demand fields in the Commonwealth, including careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health care (STEM-H);

2. Pilot and implement innovative educational approaches and technologies and promote the development, delivery, and ongoing assessment of innovative, cost-effective degree programs and stackable credentials, including industry-recognized, competency-based credentials that are aligned with and responsive to the educational and workforce development needs of traditional and nontraditional students, including veterans and military personnel, and that advance the economic development needs of employers and industries throughout the Commonwealth;  and

3. Identify and implement new strategies to support economic and community development in the Commonwealth and to expand opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students, including veterans and military personnel, to prepare for careers in high-demand fields.