News Release
For Immediate Release
July 25, 2025
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
2025 VSBA Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award Winners Announced
Winners Recognized at the VSBA Conference on Education
Charlottesville, VA – The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) has announced three first place winners for the 2025 VSBA Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards. These winning divisions were honored earlier today at the 40th VSBA Conference on Education, held in Short Pump.
Established in 2018 by the VSBA Task Force on Workforce Readiness, the awards program highlights exemplary initiatives in Virginia’s public schools that focus on preparing the state’s future workforce.
This year’s first-place award recipients are:
Student Population Below 5,000 Students
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, Alleghany Highlands Advancement: Law and Political Science
AHA: Law and Political Science distinguishes itself by creating tangible links between academic instruction and career pathways in law, government, and public service. Students engage in mock trials, legislative simulations, civil discourse training, and leadership development exercises that strengthen vital workplace skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. Through regular interaction with legal and policy professionals, including attorneys, elected officials, and regulatory leaders, students explore diverse roles and professional expectations in justice and civic systems.
Student Population Between 5,001 – 10,000 Students
Louisa County Public Schools, Louisa County Public Schools Automotive Technology Program
The program effectively prepares students to be workforce-ready through a combination of hands-on experience, industry collaboration, and targeted technical training. A key component is its emphasis on real-world diagnostics and documentation. Students learn to craft detailed write-ups and document service work with the clarity and professionalism required in today’s automotive industry. This skillset is critical for customer communication and accurate service records.
Student Population Above 10,001 Students
Portsmouth City Public Schools, Youth Entrepreneurship Pilot Program
The Youth Entrepreneurship Pilot Program effectively prepares students for high-skill, high-wage jobs by equipping them with both soft skills and technical expertise. Through hands-on internships and the middle school camp, students gained valuable experience in entrepreneurship.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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