Statewide Campaign Launches in Virginia to Help Jobseekers Upskill

PORTLAND, ORE. (March 18, 2026) — InsideTrack, the national student success nonprofit that has served more than 3.6 million learners since 2001, today announced a new statewide campaign designed to help more Virginians access high-quality career pathways that don’t require a bachelor’s degree — but do require the right skills and support. Launched in collaboration with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), Upskilling Virginia will help working-age adults pursue industry-aligned credentials at Virginia’s community colleges, expanding access to middle-skill careers in industries that are key to the Commonwealth’s workforce.

Recent data show that 1.7 million Virginian adults, or 19% of the Commonwealth’s population, are working low-wage, low-skill jobs. Meanwhile, Virginia’s unemployment rate remains at 3.6%, reflecting a tight labor market in which many employers report difficulty filling roles with workers who have the right skills.

“Virginia has thousands of middle-skill jobs available right now in industries that offer stability and a pathway to the middle class but don’t necessarily require a four-year degree,” said Ruth Bauer, president of InsideTrack, who enrolled in community college courses herself mid-career. “I know firsthand how powerful it can be to return to the classroom with a clear goal in mind. This work is about helping Virginians access practical, achievable pathways into in-demand fields and providing the guidance and support needed to translate education into real economic opportunity.”