Naples, FL—Last week, the Virginia General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation that will allow Virginia high school students to make more informed decisions about their education and professional futures. The legislation awaits signature by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
House Bill 1299, introduced by Delegate Carrie Coyner, and Senate Bill 738, introduced by Senator Joe Morrissey, require the state to provide students with information on the cost of school, income opportunities, Virginia’s job market, and other important data to ensure that students are aware of the costs and benefits of different education programs. Both bills aim to show students alternative pathways to well-paying, in-demand jobs and help align Virginia’s education system with the state’s job market.
“Student debt in the U.S. has reached nearly $1.75 trillion, yet many students are still being pressured into four-year degree paths regardless of whether it’s right for them,” said Joe Horvath, a Visiting Fellow at Opportunity Solutions Project. “There will always be a place for the four-year, liberal arts education, but with more jobs available than ever before, the next generation deserves to be made aware of all opportunities. Legislative leaders like Del. Coyner and Sen. Morrissey recognize that and are making Virginia a better place to learn, work, and live.”
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The Opportunity Solutions Project is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization that specializes in health care, welfare, and workforce reform.
