New Lab School in Winchester prepares Virginia high school students for careers in a data driven economy
Winchester, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the official opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications during a commemorative ribbon-cutting at Dowell J. Howard High School in Winchester. The initiative is the result of collaboration between George Mason University, Laurel Ridge Community College, and the Governor’s School at Mountain Vista, as well as six rural school divisions: Clarke, Fauquier, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren Counties, and Winchester Public Schools.
“Back to School is in full swing across the Commonwealth, and with the launch of today’s Lab School even more Virginia high school students in the Shenandoah Valley will be able to seize and benefit from a great educational opportunity catered to their interests,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “From Day One, we have made it our mission to restore excellence in education by raising the floor and removing the ceiling on innovative new ways for students to learn in-demand skills that are driving the careers of today and tomorrow. By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.”
Building a Data-Literate Workforce
The new Lab School, referred to as the DSCA Lab School, aims to prepare a generation of students equipped with skills and mindsets to succeed in a rapidly evolving, data-driven world. The school will serve Grades 11 and 12, while also preparing 10th graders for the application process. Students will benefit from research opportunities, apprenticeships, internships, and certifications in data analytics. They will also have the chance to earn college credits and even an associate’s degree through the program.
“Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2% in the next five years,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “The GMU DSCA Lab School will provide students in rural Virginia the exposure, experience, and expertise necessary to be part of this exciting sector.”
The school’s academic program is designed to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with a strong focus on data literacy. Teachers from across Virginia will also use the school as a STEM and data hub to expand their own teaching practices and incorporate data-driven instruction into classrooms statewide.
Innovation Through Partnerships
The Lab School’s collaborative approach is seen as a model for aligning education with workforce needs. “The GMU DSCA Lab School represents a forward-thinking approach to education, building a future-ready workforce that is equipped, empowered and ready to lead,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “Models like this between education and industry ensure more students are prepared for the digital economy and become leaders in innovation.”
Through student-led projects, mentorship from Big Data companies, and opportunities for multicultural engagement with peers from Puerto Rico and developing countries, the program blends classroom learning with global and workplace experiences. GMU Professor and DSCA Lab School lead Padhu Seshaiyer emphasized the school’s mission: “The mission of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Lab School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications is to create innovative pathways between an education and a career, and meaningful partnerships between students and teachers. Students from rural school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands of the modern economy and essential for workforce readiness.”
Capstone and Career Opportunities
In their final year, students will pursue capstone experiences tailored to their career goals. Options include faculty-led research projects, apprenticeships with companies across the Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia, and industry-recognized credentials from organizations such as Google, Amazon, and Cisco. These pathways are designed to ensure graduates are well-prepared to transition directly into higher education or the workforce.
The opening of the DSCA Lab School highlights Virginia’s commitment to innovation in education, providing students with direct access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s data-driven economy. For more information about lab schools throughout the Commonwealth, residents are invited to visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Laboratory Schools Overview.
