Dear Friends,
In 2020, everyone’s lives changed. COVID-19 disrupted everything from how we work to how we live to even how we learn.
At VE, we’re no strangers to transformation and in response to unprecedented changes in public education required by stay-at-home orders, we quickly enhanced our online learning support system to help schools modify their program implementation. This included course modifications, new course offerings optimized for remote learning, sharing of best practices among teachers, and providing innovative ways to leverage video conferencing technology to provide schools with opportunities for mentorship through our national business partners.
Our students are our biggest inspiration and the beginning of 2020 proved why yet again. As we converted our program offerings to accommodate a new educational landscape, VE students demonstrated professionalism, digital skills, resilience, and the kind of spark they will need to succeed no matter what the future holds.
At a time when the world of work is changing faster than ever, VE serves a crucial role connecting education and industry. We’re constantly engaging industry leaders through our National Board of Directors, National Advisory Council, and corporate and postsecondary partnerships. Highlights of our partnerships from this past year include Intuit’s commitment of $1 million to help build the future workforce, New York Life Foundation’s renewed support of $750,000 for the VE-JV Career Academy, and Intuit’s pledge to provide access to QuickBooks and design-thinking curriculum for all VE classrooms across the U.S.
Since 1996, we have transformed the lives of more than 175,000 students. Three out of every four VE students find their career path because of VE. Through the talent and dedication of our teachers and school leaders and with the support of our industry partners, donors, and volunteers, VE is able to provide students with authentic business experiences that cultivate fulfilling and financially secure futures.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, many thanks for your unwavering support during this very challenging year for all—especially our youth. Your partnership has enabled us to enter our new fiscal year stronger and better positioned to prepare young people for the future that lies ahead.
Sincerely,
Nick Chapman
President
Virtual Enterprises International