Virginia 21

During the 2009-2010 school year you will see an increased presence on Longwood's campus from a organization named Virginia 21. Virginia21 is an action-tank involving young people across the Commonwealth in the political process by providing information, directing advocacy and coordinating political action on a non-partisan issue agenda. Virginia 21’s agenda focuses on policies that matter to building a better future for Virginia: Acting today to shape tomorrow. The primary focus of Virginia 21 is to focus on issues related to higher education.



Virginia 21 began back in 2002 on the campus of William and Mary when a group of students came together and said that Virginia needed a student lead pac committee that would devote its focus to issues of higher education. Nearly eight years later the organization has accomplished alot and maintains a stellar reputation in the halls of Richmond and on college campuses across the Commonwealth. Virginia 21 is involved with every public institution of higher education across the Commonwealth and maintains that contact and involvement through the use of Campus Coordinator's and by keeping in touch with SGA Presidents.



Accomplishments of Virginia 21 include the passing of the texbook fairness act and reform act back in 2004, the passing of a 2 year college transfer program that allows students attending community college to transfer to public institutions, and a massive Capital improvement program passed last year that has benifited all colleges across the Commonwealth. Virginia 21 has successfully lobbied for millions of dollars that have been put towards higher education in the Commonwealth.



Longwood looks to increase its involvement with Virginia 21 and next year the group looks to focus on getting the student body to understand the uber importance of the organization. Virginia 21 is special because there is no organization within Virginia and across the nation that is soley devoted to advancing higher education and focusing soley on the students needs.



Virginia 21 provides a forum for students across the Commonwealth to come together and share concerns and ideas on how to better Virginia particularly through the legislative process. Longwood is fortunate to be apart of that forum and we look forward to having you become apart of VA 21 next year.



~Cam Patterson~