Ecosystem support for Arlington Public Schools, Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech

The Virginia Department of Education STEM leaders recognized the collaboration between the Career, Technical and Adult Education Office of Arlington Public Schools, the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech's, D.C. area Technical Education and Workforce Development programs with 2026 support for efforts to promote innovate STEM opportunities for all students.

Governor signs bills supporting workforce education and training

Governor Spanberger Signs Bills Into Law to Raise State Minimum Wage, Boost Workforce Training, & Support Economic Growth

The Governor Signed Bills to Raise Minimum Wage to $15 per Hour, Bring New Workers to Virginia’s Offshore Wind Industry, & Connect High School Students with Apprenticeships

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today signed into law legislation to incrementally increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, secure stronger wages for Virginians who feed and fuel the Commonwealth, and connect more Virginians with career opportunities.

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures. I am signing legislation to support the men and women who power our economy, including so many of the people who keep our agriculture industry strong — and we were proud to work with the Virginia Farm Bureau to strike a balance to protect farm workers and our vital farming industry.”

Spanberger continued, “Virginia’s competitive advantage is our talent. Preparing Virginia’s next generation to succeed not only helps young Virginians earn a good living, but it makes clear to businesses across the nation that they will thrive in our Commonwealth. Because investing in our workforce is a win for

Arlington Career Center Culinary students receive top honors

Arlington Career Center students competed at the Virginia ProStart Competition and brought home top honors, with first-place finishes for Alena Zabler and Ximena Puican Vela.

Their hard work, talent and professionalism on the competition floor made the entire APS community proud.

Volunteers needed: Regional Invention Virginia / Invention DC Expo - April 18 - Alexandria

A few hours can make a lasting impact! 

Join us on April 18 at the Invention Virginia NoVA Regional Expo and be a part of a student inventor's journey!

Sign-up here:
https://lnkd.in/ex-HVs3q  

March 31 USPTO online workshop - File a Patent Application without an Attorney

SOaR presents: Learn the three-step approach to filing a patent application without an attorney

United States Patent and Trademark Office -  03/24/2026 03:01 PM EDT

View it as a Web page. Patent Alert   Learn the three-step approach to filing a patent application without an attorney Are you interested in filing a patent application without assistance from a registered patent attorney or agent? If so, join our next Stakeholder Offerings and Resources (SOaR) session on Tuesday, March 31, from 1–2 p.m. ET. Sheree Brown, a patent examiner who is an expert on the application process, will discuss the three-step approach to filing a patent application without an attorney or agent (known formally as a pro se application).  Topics we will cover include: Understanding the different types of patents Filing provisional versus nonprovisional applications Researching related, pre-existing inventions Registering as an e-filer Completing the required forms, including disclosures SOaR training events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. After you register, we will email you instructions to join the webinar. For more information about SOaR training events, email SOaR@uspto.gov. Captioning services will be provided. Register today Stay connected with the USPTO by subscribing to regular email updates. Visit our subscription center at www.uspto.gov/subscribe to update or change your email preferences.

Mark your calendars - April 18 Regional K-12 Inventors Expo

 This is your opportunity to connect with brilliant K–12 student inventors as they showcase their prototypes and share the stories behind their invention journeys.  

As a community or industry professional, you can:

🔹 Mentor students and provide meaningful, supportive feedback
🔹 Guide aspiring inventors on next steps (state competitions, patents, and beyond)
🔹 Share real-world insights into your industry’s innovation process
🔹 Bring a hands-on activity to inspire future inventors
Your involvement directly fuels creativity, confidence, and experiential learning in our community. The encouragement you give could be the spark that launches the next great innovator.
Learn more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eavTpx8R

Northern Virginia Young Inventors Event - Saturday April 18 - Potomac Yard Metro

 Participate in Invention Virginia's April 18 Northern Virginia Expo as either an Inventor or as a Industry or Community Professional - www.InventionVirginia.net or www.InventionDC.net.  

Saturday, April 18 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM  

No costs for Inventors or Families or Community and Industry Professionals.

We’re looking for industry professionals to:
🔹 Encourage and mentor student inventors
🔹 Share real-world insights on innovation
🔹 Provide supportive feedback on their ideas