TALENT & WORKFORCE
Northern Virginia draws from a wide mix of talent, from skilled technicians to scientists, engineers, and business professionals in key industries. Education and training programs help learners at every stage develop the skills they need while strengthening a workforce that includes many veterans.
EDUCATION & HIGHER LEARNING
Degree programs and industry-aligned credentials at George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College align with regional workforce priorities. Many graduates stay in Virginia to work for local employers, joined by talent from institutions such as Marymount University, ECPI University, satellite campuses of Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, ATP Flight School, and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. The region draws talent from across the United States and around the world.
43.9%
of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
9.8%
veteran population bringing specialized skills and experience
10.1%
projected population growth from 2023–2028
70K+
students at NVCC
Largest community college in Virginia
40K+
students at GMU
Virginia’s largest public university
$230M
in research expenditures at GMU annually
EARLY PATHWAYS & FUTURE TALENT
THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL @ INNOVATION PARK
The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park is a part-day STEM program based at George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus. Students from Manassas City, Manassas Park City, and Prince William County spend their mornings in class at George Mason, then return to their home high schools for the remainder of the day.
Coursework includes science, math, engineering, and technology, with inquiry-driven learning, dual-enrollment credit, and continued participation in classes and activities at each student’s home school.
A DAY IN THE PROGRAM
AM
George Mason University
STEM coursework at Science & Technology Campus
PM
Home High School
Continue regular classes, sports, and activities
SERVING STUDENTS FROM
- Manassas City
- Manassas Park City
- Prince William County
ACADEMIC MOBILITY
ADVANCE PROGRAM
The ADVANCE program helps students transfer from Northern Virginia Community College to George Mason University. Coursework and advising are aligned to make credit transfers easier and help students stay on track to graduate.
GROW MANASSAS
Through the Grow Manassas program, City of Manassas residents can receive full tuition coverage for select Northern Virginia Community College certificate programs in high-demand fields.
EARLY IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Early Identification Program works with first-generation students before and during the college application process. The program runs year-round and includes academic preparation, leadership opportunities, and activities that involve families.
INSIDE THE LIFE SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING BUILDING: TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION
Students gain hands-on experience in fields such as robotics and forensics at the Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB).
NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FAB LAB
Located on Northern Virginia Community College’s Manassas campus, the NOVA Fab Lab provides students with hands-on experience in digital fabrication and design. Through workshops, open lab sessions, and collaborative projects, students gain practical skills in areas such as 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, robotics, electronics, coding, and fabrication technologies.
By combining design thinking with access to advanced tools and equipment, the Fab Lab helps students develop the technical and creative problem-solving skills needed for careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and technology fields.
