Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dowell J. Howard High School in Winchester, Virginia. The new lab school is a collaboration among George Mason University, Laurel Ridge Community College, the Governor’s School at Mountain Vista, and six rural school divisions: Clarke, Fauquier, Page, Shenandoah, Warren Counties, and Winchester Public Schools.
“Back to School is in full swing across the Commonwealth, and with the launch of today’s Lab School even more Virginia high school students in the Shenandoah Valley will be able to seize and benefit from a great educational opportunity catered to their interests,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From Day One, we have made it our mission to restore excellence in education by raising the floor and removing the ceiling on innovative new ways for students to learn in-demand skills that are driving the careers of today and tomorrow. By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.”
The DSCA Lab School aims to develop a workforce equipped with data literacy skills necessary for modern industries. It offers programs designed for students and teachers from rural areas to build expertise in data science and computing. The initiative responds to projections that data science is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing industries.
“Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2% in the next five years,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “The GMU DSCA Lab School will provide students in rural Virginia the exposure, experience, and expertise necessary to be part of this exciting sector.”
The school serves grades 11 and 12 while also supporting 10th graders preparing for application. Its curriculum focuses on data science and computing alongside broader STEM fields. Students can participate in research projects, apprenticeships with local businesses or industry partners such as Google, Amazon, and Cisco; earn certifications or microcredentials; gain college credits; or work toward an associate’s degree.
“The GMU DSCA Lab School represents a forward-thinking approach to education, building a future-ready workforce that is equipped, empowered and ready to lead,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “Models like this between education and industry ensure more students are prepared for the digital economy and become leaders in innovation.”
Students engage with faculty on research projects as well as receive mentorship from business partners through work-based experiences equivalent to at least one high school credit per year. The program includes global engagement opportunities involving peers from U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico.
“The mission of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications is to create innovative pathways between an education and a career, and meaningful partnerships between students and teachers,” said GMU Professor Padhu Seshaiyer.“Students from rural school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities,and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands ofthe modern economyand essentialforworkforce readiness.”
Seniors have access to capstone projects led by faculty across Virginia or apprenticeship opportunities through local companies.The lab school also acts as a hub for teacher professional development statewide.For additional information about laboratory schools across Virginia,the public can visit this VDOE Laboratory Schools Overview.
