Grow By Degrees

 

Can Virginia lead the way in shaping a future of opportunity and prosperity in the knowledge-based global economy? We believe it can—and must.

Grow By Degrees, a campaign of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC), aims to fuel Virginia's strong recovery and sustained economic growth through high-impact investments and innovations in our public colleges, universities, and community colleges.

Our 2020 Vision promises a prosperous, entrepreneurial Virginia that ranks among the top states and countries in educational attainment and personal income. Access to an affordable, high-quality college degree is increasingly a prerequisite for success in the fast-changing, high-tech economy. Virginians who earn college, university, or community college degrees enjoy substantially greater opportunities for good jobs, rewarding careers, high incomes, and positive contributions to the community.

Investing in our public colleges, universities, and community colleges—especially in high-quality degree and certificate programs that prepare Virginians for high-demand jobs in the emerging economy—will produce enormous economic benefits for our Commonwealth. That’s why our 7 Policy Priorities appear prominently in the economic recovery/growth plans of forward-looking leaders in both political parties.

They all know there’s only one sure way to make jobs and incomes grow in Virginia—by degrees!

The Grow By Degrees Coalition includes civic-minded organizations and individuals with a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds. All share a conviction that Virginians, regardless of income, should have access to the broader economic horizons opened by a college education. All share a belief that only a sustained program of investment and innovation in higher education—embodied in state law and in the business plans of our educational institutions—will make Virginia a national and international leader in attracting new business investment, research grants, and excellent job opportunities in the new economy. 

To help prepare a world-class workforce, attract top jobs, and propel Virginia’s economic expansion, Grow By Degrees advocates higher education funding and reforms centered around these 7 Policy Priorities:

  1. 70,000 More Degrees
  2. Science & Technology
  3. Cost-Saving Innovation
  4. Employable Work Skills
  5. Research Partnerships
  6. Regional Development
  7. Affordable Access

Click here to join us and let us know how you will help Virginia Grow By Degrees.

Join the Grow By Degrees Coalition
Thank you to our benefactors:

Governor says some schools may need to rethink missions

July, 13, 2010

Richmond Times-Dispatach

In its first full meeting, at John Tyler Community College's Midlothian campus, McDonnell gave the 45-member commission a mandate to come up with a plan that is "both visionary and achievable."

"Access to the American dream goes right through the doors of a college or a university," said McDonnell, who has set a goal of achieving 100,000 additional degrees over the next 15 years.

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Higher ed reform commission takes on major policy initiative

July, 13, 2010

The Roanoke Times

Gov. Bob McDonnell challenged his commission on higher education reform Monday to "dream big" as it develops a blueprint for increasing degree attainment, expanding research and development partnerships and controlling the escalating cost of attending college in Virginia.

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State Commission Begins Work on Higher Education

July, 13, 2010

NBC 29

McDonnell said, "Those states and those nations that provide the best trained and best motivated workforce are going to be the ones that are going to be the leaders in the global economy for decades to come."

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The Virginia Summit on Economic
Competitiveness & Higher Education


Thursday, October 1, 2009
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North 3rd Street
8 a.m., Registration
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Program

Continental breakfast & lunch included.
Admission is complimentary, but seating is limited.

  • Remarks by Senator Creigh Deeds & Former Attorney General Bob McDonnell candidates for Governor
  • Report on Economic Impact of Virginia’s Public Colleges
  • Panel Discussions featuring Business and Political Leaders

By invitation only. Limited seating available. RSVP by September 23, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Missy Neff at 804.775.1908.

Download PDF of invitation.

 

Press Conference
Monday, June 22
8:30 a.m.
Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Ave, SE
Roanoke, VA 24011

Press Conference
Monday, June 22
1:00 p.m.
Town Point Club
101 W. Main Street
Suite 300
Norfolk, VA 23510

Press Conference
Monday, June 22
3:30 p.m.
Virginia Bio-Technology Research Park
800 E. Leigh Street
Richmond, VA 23219