Exceptional Learner Program
Exceptional Learner Programs
Build on strengths. Create new ways to engage.
EXPLORE PROGRAMS
Virginia Tech’s exceptional learner programming supports high-aptitude learners who may be under-engaged in traditional learning environments.
Through Strengths Forward – Exceptional Learners in STEM, Virginia Tech works with educators, families, community organizations and partners to create flexible experiences that build on learners’ interests and strengths while expanding opportunities to engage with STEM, emerging technologies and future career pathways.
At a glance
Audience: Learners from K-12 through adulthood, with participation arranged through educators, community organizations, employers or sponsoring partners
Format: Consulting or workshops
Availability: Available by partner arrangement; dates are coordinated directly with participating organizations
Location: Varies based on the program and partner arrangement
Cost: No cost to participating students, educators or schools. Program delivery may be supported through sponsoring or partner organizations.
Strengths Forward – Exceptional Learners in STEM
Create opportunities around what learners do well.
Strengths Forward takes a strengths-based approach to STEM engagement. Rather than beginning with what a learner struggles with, the experience can be designed around individual interests, abilities and opportunities for meaningful participation.
Virginia Tech collaborates with schools, families, community organizations and sponsoring partners to develop experiences that encourage learners to explore, create and apply STEM concepts through hands-on and project-based learning.
Depending on the goals of the participating group, experiences may incorporate areas such as physical computing, artificial intelligence, robotics, career exploration and executive-function skill development while connecting learning with real-world challenges and future opportunities.
What Strengths Forward May Include
Support for Engagement & Executive-Function Skills
Experiences may also incorporate strategies that help learners strengthen engagement, planning and executive-function skills within the context of meaningful STEM projects.
Strengths-Based Project Learning
Activities can be structured around learners’ interests and abilities while encouraging collaboration, persistence, creativity and problem-solving through project-based STEM experiences.
Career Exploration
Strengths Forward can help learners connect their interests and abilities with STEM and technical career possibilities, giving them opportunities to see how their strengths may translate into future educational and professional pathways.
Hands-On STEM & Emerging Technologies
Learners can engage with STEM through projects that emphasize making, experimenting, problem-solving and applying technology. Experiences may incorporate physical computing, robotics or artificial intelligence based on learner and partner goals.
Customized With Schools & Partners
Strengths Forward is not presented as a fixed public-registration program. Experiences are collaboratively designed and scheduled with participating schools, community organizations, industry partners or sponsors.
That flexibility allows Virginia Tech to shape the experience around the learners being served, the goals of the organization and the resources available for the partnership.
Interested in Strengths Forward?
Connect with Virginia Tech to discuss your learners, goals and opportunities for collaboration.