Governor Kaine and the VCCS launch the Virginia Education Wizard

Posted on March 11th, 2009

Amid much anticipation, Virginia’s Community Colleges and Governor Tim Kaine launched the Virginia Education Wizard this morning at the Virginia State Police Academy in Richmond. Hosting the Wizard launch at the Virginia State Police Academy was a “natural choice” said Dr. DuBois, who opened the event. More than half of the incoming academy class next month are community college graduates.

The launch was the first in a series of awareness events hosted across the Commonwealth to introduce Virginians to “The Wizard,” an online tool designed to help students and families make informed choices about college and careers.

“I see the value and immediate application of this resource in my own family and for thousands of families across Virginia,” said Governor Tim Kaine. Guiding the audience through a tour of The Wizard, with the assistance of Dr. Craig Herndon, The Wizard’s creator and “Ginny,” the virtual tour guide, Governor Kaine demonstrated The Wizard’s various functions including an exploration of occupational profiles.

Governor Kaine looks on as a student explores the Virginia Education Wizard

“What I really find interesting about this tool,” he continued,” is that it’s no longer ‘one size fits all.’ The Wizard allows you to be the designer of your own education.”

Upon accessing the site, “Ginny” helps visitors browse career options, take assessments to hone in on their career and educational interests, find employers in their area, get assistance with enrollment and financial aid and learn how and where to get the skills and training they’ll need to reach their goals.

To explore the Virginia Education Wizard, visit www.vawizard.org. For news and information, visit the VCCS web site or follow Ginny (@GinnyWiz) on Twitter.