College & Technical Career Readiness

Preparing learners for what comes next

Virginia Tech’s College & Technical Career Readiness programs in the greater Washington, D.C. area help learners build the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to succeed in postsecondary education and today’s rapidly evolving technical workforce.

Through hands‑on learning, applied technology experiences, and strong partnerships with industry, schools, and government, Virginia Tech supports learners as they move from exploration to preparation—connecting education to real‑world opportunities in high‑demand STEM fields.

Who These Programs Serve

Virginia Tech’s College & Technical Career Readiness programs support:

Middle and high school students preparing for postsecondary options
College students seeking applied STEM and career‑connected experiences
Educators and school leaders supporting college and career readiness
Industry and workforce partners building the next generation of talent

Students of Engineering The Future Summer Program 2026

Featured College & Technical Career Readiness Programs

Explore the Tech for Good: Physical Computing, AI & Career Exploration

Explore Virginia Tech Tech for Good programs using physical computing, AI, IoT, robotics and invention for hands-on STEM learning and career exploration.

Grades: 6-12

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Applied STEM & CTE Programs

Hands‑on, skills‑focused programs that emphasize applied learning in areas such as computing, engineering technologies, advanced manufacturing, energy, and physical AI. Learners engage with industry‑relevant tools and challenges while building technical competencies that support postsecondary success and workforce readiness. Ideal for students seeking deeper technical preparation and applied STEM experiences.

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February 21st, 2026-Students learn about different careers through interactive activities at the 2026 STEM Discovery Fair at Academic Building One. (photo by Craig Newcomb/Virginia Tech)

Industry‑Connected Learning

Experiences developed in collaboration with employers and industry partners that connect learning directly to workforce needs. These programs emphasize authentic problem solving, exposure to professional environments, and engagement with industry experts—helping learners understand expectations and opportunities in STEM careers. Designed to bridge education and employment through real‑world connection.

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April 25th, 2024 - April 25th, 2024 - (From Left) Mikayla Dolo-Pittman, Evan Lee, Graham Prather-Long, Kereshmeh Afsari, Pierce Bell.Assistant Professor Kereshmeh Afsari in the Myers-Lawson School of Construction, is leading an interdisciplinary undergraduate research project involving computer science, mechanical engineering, and construction engineering management exploring how robots can assist with hazardous work. The team is using unmanned aerial and ground vehicles on construction sites to find a way to perform real-time inspections for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The plan is required by the EPA to prevent storm water pollution.

Success Stories

Our students love our programs! Don't believe us? Hear it directly from them.

"This was better than Disney World! Do we get to come back?"

"Thank you! This is one of the best days of my life. We learned to code and I built a moving robot with my friends!"

“My day at the lab was hard but inspiring. We chose a really hard thing – a coffee machine. We failed a lot but when we finally succeeded, it was great! Now I want to be an inventor!”

Get Involved

Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing students for what’s next, or looking to partner with Virginia Tech, there are multiple ways to engage.

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Resources for Educators

College & Technical Career Readiness