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George Mason University partnership opens Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications

Tracy Mason

Data Science Lab School offers rural and rural-fringe high schoolers personalized educational pathways with research and project-based apprenticeships and internships to earn data science certifications, dual enrollment college credits, associate degrees, and more. 

Padhu Seshaiyer, Cody Edwards, and Meghan St. George stand with students from the lab school ribbon cutting.
Padhu Seshaiyer (far left), Cody Edwards (second from left), and Meghan St. George (far right) stand with students from the Data Science Lab School ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Surrounded by students, educational partners, parents, and community leaders at Dowell J. Howard Center in Winchester, VA, George Mason College of Science Dean, Cody W. Edwards joined Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, Virginia Commissioner of Virginia Works Nicole Overley and Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears to celebrate the opening of the Shenandoah Valley Rural Regional College Partnership Laboratory School for Data Science, Computing, and Applications (DSCA Lab School).

In the era of expanding demand for skilled data science professionals, Edwards explained the DSCA Lab School’s innovative data science curriculum offers a real-world, problem-based learning environment with focused educational experiences shaped directly by workforce needs and student interests. 

The DSCA Lab School is collaborative partnership between George Mason University and Frederick County Public Schools, as well as six rural and rural-fringe school districts in the Shenandoah Valley including Clarke County, Fauquier County, Page County, Shenandoah County, Warren County, and Winchester Public Schools, along with Mountain Vista Governor’s School and Laurel Ridge Community College. The Governing Board of the DSCA Lab School is co-chaired by Edwards and George Hummer, Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools and includes College of Science Chief Business Officer, Meghan St. George.

One of 16 Lab Schools in the Commonwealth and the second for George Mason, this DSCA Lab School will support 10th through 12th grade students through academic programming that fosters data literacy and showcases the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Academic pathways will focus on data science and computing through research opportunities, apprenticeships and internships, experiential and project-based learning, certifications and microcredentials in data analytics, offering opportunities to earn an associate’s degree and college credits, as well as work-based learning. 

“We are removing the ceiling on innovative new ways for students to learn in-demand skills that are driving the careers of today and tomorrow.” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “By creating personalized pathways where students can pursue their interests and chase their dreams, we are empowering the next generation with the data-literacy skills they need to succeed in an increasingly data-driven workforce.” 

“Data science is the fastest-growing industry in Virginia, projected to grow 18.2 percent in the next five years,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “The GMU DSCA Lab School will provide students in rural Virginia the exposure, experience, and expertise necessary to be part of this exciting sector.” 

Dean Edwards’ remarks referenced growing up in a rural part of west Texas and how impactful a STEM-focused education was to his own career progress. 

“This school’s distinctive learning approach connecting learning to real world challenges can drastically enhance students’ educational trajectories,“ he shared. “Instead of beginning with theories, students are using data to find answers. For example, take the real-world question: ‘Where is the safest place to swim in the Shenandoah River?’ To answer the question, DSCA  Lab School students might collect and test water samples, analyze their results, and interpret their findings.” 

“In addition to developing students’ data literacy, this learning approach also strengthens competencies of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, the very competencies future employees need to successfully lead,” said Edwards. 

George Mason Mathematical Science Professor and DSCA Lab School lead Padhu Seshaiyer explained, “Students from rural and rural-fringe school divisions will gain the expertise needed to make informed decisions, contribute to their communities, and thrive in a data-driven world—empowering a data-literate next-generation workforce prepared for the demands of the modern economy and essential for workforce readiness.” This DSCA Lab School partnership seeks to create innovative pathways between an education and a career, and meaningful partnerships between students, teachers, and data science industry leaders. 

* The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.