Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) honored exemplary career and technical education (CTE) programs and partnerships. The awards were presented during the annual Creating Excellence Awards program in Richmond on June 14.
“As a division superintendent, I saw firsthand the value of K-12 partnerships with community colleges and local employers,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said. “The combined efforts help maximize the potential of every learner and provide transformative educational opportunities with companies that provide real-world experiences for students.”

The VCCS Postsecondary CTE State Award for Business and Industry Partnership was given to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, who were nominated by Eastern Shore Community College.

(L-R) Dr. James Lane (State Superintendent of Public Instruction), Atif Qarni (State Secretary of Education), Sheilla Taylor (MARS), Aaron Kupers (MARS), Debbie Daniels (ESCC), Megan Healy (Chief Workforce Advisor to the Governor), and Randy Stamper (VCCS Vice Chancellor, Career Pathways & Workforce Programs)