Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 53.11
Liaison Elizabeth Malcolm
Submission Date Jan. 19, 2023

STARS v2.2

Virginia Wesleyan University
IN-48: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 0.50 Elizabeth Malcolm
Director of Sustainability
Earth and Environmental Sciences
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Workforce Development Program

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The Virginia Wesleyan workforce development program—which offers no-cost courses to Hampton Roads residents who have lost employment due to the pandemic—has led to local, state and federal accolades. In 2020, Virginia Wesleyan began offering a variety of no-cost professional development courses, funded by an anonymous donor, to support local workers displaced by COVID-19. More than 8,100 people took these courses, and the program has since grown to more than 10,000 learners. The success of the program earned the attention of Virginia Beach Economic Development who subsequently partnered with the university, and City Council approved further funding of the program. As part of the program, no-cost workshops are offered covering topics including supply chain management, computer programing, web design, professional writing, and diversity, equity and inclusion training. This program aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and aims to provide workforce skills to the local community.

Optional Fields

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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