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K-12 Initiatives

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Virginia Tech K-12 Initiatives

We believe computer science and STEM education are for all!

In the City of Alexandria and beyond, Virginia Tech is committed to inspiring, motivating, and preparing K-12 students for technology careers. We believe that starting in elementary school, all children should have access to computer science and STEM content and skills needed to thrive in the global society. Through cross sector partnerships, we work to transform K-12 education.

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Virginia Tech is committed to:

  • Making computer science and STEM accessible in K-12 learning environments.
  • Building new pathways for students to pursue their postsecondary goals.
  • Collaborating with innovators to prepare more K-12 teachers, administrators, students, and families for a digital world.

Goals

  • Inspire and prepare the next generation of problem solvers with computing and STEM pathway experiences for the future of work.
  • Partner with K-12 teachers to transform classroom instruction with innovative, research-based approaches.
  • Convene stakeholders annually to create and update a roadmap to innovation and tech talent in K-12 and beyond.
  • Evaluate the impact of innovative programs, partnerships, and policy work.

Teacher Professional Development

Virginia Tech is offering a Teacher Professional Development Program with the goal of expanding STEM and computing knowledge and teaching practices among elementary and middle school teachers. The program is facilitated in partnership with the Alexandria City Public Schools and supported by a $250,000 educational grant from Amazon.

Learn more about the program

Events for 2025-2026

Virginia Tech has an exciting line-up of events scheduled for 2025-2026 aimed at supporting STEM education and computing in the D.C. Area. Use our registration form to volunteer or support any of the events as an individual, a business or a community organization!

Volunteer registration

U.S. Drone Soccer program

Participating Schools

  • George Washington Middle School
  • Francis C. Hammond Middle School 
  • Jefferson Houston K-8 IB School
  • Patrick Henry K-8 School

Program Meeting Location

  • Virginia Tech Academic Building One
    3625 Potomac Avenue
    Alexandria, VA 22305

Dates

  • June 23 - June 27 (8:30am - 12:30pm / 1:30 - 4:30pm)
  • Elementary Drone Soccer
    July 8 - July 11 (8:30am - 12:30pm)
    July 14 - July 18 (TBA)

Please note that each program takes place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Fall 2025

  • October 4
  • October 18
  • October 31
  • November 14
  • December  6
  • December 13
  • December 14

Spring 2026

  • January 10
  • January 24
  • February 7
  • February 21
  • March 7

Check out the highlights of last year's regional competition below.

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For additional information on Virginia Tech's K-12 initiatives, contact Dr. Pamela O. Gilchrist (pamelag@vt.edu) Director, K-12 Education.

Become a Sustaining Friend of the Virginia Tech K-12 Fund.

Join us in unpacking the wonder of STEM and computing through innovative programs, partnerships, and policy efforts. Support our fund with an online gift here.

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K-12 Newletter

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