Advise Virginia is reimagining how high school students access high-quality postsecondary opportunities - because every student deserves a clear, supported path to a successful future.
We know that thinking about life after high school can feel overwhelming. That’s why Advise Virginia cuts through the clutter, helping students and families make sense of their options, hone in on next steps, and move forward with confidence.
And we do it in a way that is personal, proven and powerful.
We place recent college graduates in high schools across Virginia to serve as full-time pathways advisers. As near-peers, they connect with the students they serve, building trust and motivation.
Our Pathways Advisers are rigorously trained…
supported with ongoing professional development…
connected to statewide resources…
and serve for two years –
offering consistent, hands-on guidance during a pivotal time in students’ lives.
Advisers meet one-on-one with students, host workshops, assemblies and presentations, guide families through important decisions, and collaborate closely with school staff to ensure every student has a plan—and is taking steps toward it.
We work with each student individually to uncover the path that fits them best – illuminating opportunities students might not have seen on their own—like college, trade school, credential programs, apprenticeships, or service opportunities.
Once a student chooses their path, our advisers help them navigate every step forward, from reviewing applications, financial aid forms and resumes to assisting with tasks related to enrolling in college, finding gainful employment, or enlisting in the military.
We help students see themselves in futures they didn’t know were possible. We help them dream big—and achieve their goals.
We’re removing barriers, uplifting communities, and expanding access to tailored, high-quality support—especially in high-need communities.
And the results speak for themselves.
For students, we’re a guiding light.
For schools, we’re a trusted partner.
For the Commonwealth, we’re building a more skilled, educated, and prosperous future.
Advise Virginia—expanding postsecondary opportunities for Virginia’s students.
We know that thinking about life after high school can feel overwhelming. That’s why Advise Virginia cuts through the clutter, helping students and families make sense of their options, hone in on next steps, and move forward with confidence.
And we do it in a way that is personal, proven and powerful.
We place recent college graduates in high schools across Virginia to serve as full-time pathways advisers. As near-peers, they connect with the students they serve, building trust and motivation.
Our Pathways Advisers are rigorously trained…
supported with ongoing professional development…
connected to statewide resources…
and serve for two years –
offering consistent, hands-on guidance during a pivotal time in students’ lives.
Advisers meet one-on-one with students, host workshops, assemblies and presentations, guide families through important decisions, and collaborate closely with school staff to ensure every student has a plan—and is taking steps toward it.
We work with each student individually to uncover the path that fits them best – illuminating opportunities students might not have seen on their own—like college, trade school, credential programs, apprenticeships, or service opportunities.
Once a student chooses their path, our advisers help them navigate every step forward, from reviewing applications, financial aid forms and resumes to assisting with tasks related to enrolling in college, finding gainful employment, or enlisting in the military.
We help students see themselves in futures they didn’t know were possible. We help them dream big—and achieve their goals.
We’re removing barriers, uplifting communities, and expanding access to tailored, high-quality support—especially in high-need communities.
And the results speak for themselves.
For students, we’re a guiding light.
For schools, we’re a trusted partner.
For the Commonwealth, we’re building a more skilled, educated, and prosperous future.
Advise Virginia—expanding postsecondary opportunities for Virginia’s students.
The Program Model
Through a holistic advising approach, we remove barriers to education, uplift communities, and ensure that more Virginians have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.
Here's how we improve outcomes for our students:
- We place “near-peer” Pathways Advisers at partner high schools. Our Pathways Advisers are recent college graduates, often close in age and with similar backgrounds to the students they serve.
- We increase access to high-quality, tailored advising. Advisers serve full-time for two years in high-need communities to increase knowledge of postsecondary options for every student at our partner high schools, not just a select few.
- We provide rigorous training and professional development. Before entering schools, advisers complete a comprehensive training program to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to support students effectively. They continue to participate in professional development sessions throughout the year.
- We cultivate college and career aspirations. Our advisers work with students one-on-one to discover and apply to high-quality postsecondary programs, including two-year and four-year colleges, industry recognized credential programs, apprenticeships, and service opportunities.
- We prioritize outcomes and impact. Advisers track key enrollment, employment, and enlistment milestones using a comprehensive data management tool. We operationalize insights learned through data to continuously refine and enhance our advising strategies.