BRISTOL, Va. – On the race track, NASCAR driver Eric McClure makes split-second decisions at high speeds.
But when he was preparing to attend Emory & Henry College more than a decade ago, the Chilhowie, Va., native said his own indecision nearly put his studies and his degree a lap down.
On Tuesday, McClure was among those attending the unveiling of the Virginia Education Wizard at Virginia High School. The wizard is a new online education and career planning resource developed by Virginia’s Community Colleges.
“When I graduated from high school in 1996, I had no idea what I wanted to do, other than to drive race cars and go to work. But my parents told me I was going to college,” McClure, who has a degree in public relations, told a group of about 50 students. “I changed my mind several times before I decided on a major in my junior year. I wish I had this [wizard]. It would have been a lot easier.”
A $2.5 million federal earmark paid for the tool, Chancellor Glenn DuBois said.
“This is the only tool of its kind,” DuBois said. “It’s the best one-stop higher education stop I can think of.”
The wizard was patterned after travel sites that help people schedule and pay for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars and attractions from one site, DuBois said.
Visitors to the new site can take assessments about their own interests, research prospective careers – including demand and potential earnings – learn about college curriculum, shop for financial aid and apply to attend one of the state’s community colleges.
DuBois said the wizard is designed for prospective and current community college students as well as experienced workers who are considering a return to school or a career change.
The site includes extensive current data about jobs, job markets and career fields, said designer Craig Herndon, the state’s director of career and education resources.
Josh Tignor, a Virginia High senior, said he was impressed.
“I think it would be really helpful. I’m looking at going to Carson-Newman [College], but haven’t decided for sure. I will look at it.”
Fellow senior Chad Cathell, who plans to attend Marshall University, predicted the wizard will be especially helpful for younger students.
“I think it’s neat. I’ll definitely look at it for scholarships, but I wish I’d had it last year,” Cathell said. “It would really be a lot of help for juniors and underclassmen.”
DuBois said plans call for expanding the program.
“This isn’t the end,” DuBois said. “We plan to keep building, adding things like a Spanish version, help for foster care youth and returning GIs.”
dmcgee@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2532
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