The Task Force, initially established under Executive Order 30 in 2024, brought together representatives from state agencies, higher education, workforce organizations and the legal community to evaluate AI’s opportunities and risks; and, ultimately, deliver recommendations. Released at the end of last week, the resulting guidance — the Commonwealth of Virginia Artificial Intelligence Strategy — calls for a coordinated approach to AI across education, workforce development, infrastructure and state government operations.
Within that framework, education emerges as the starting point, with the Task Force positioning it as the foundation for building AI-ready skills and approaching AI as a tool for innovation rather than a threat.
According to the report, Virginia K-12 schools have already implemented Computer Science Standards of Learning, "which address AI applications that are fast becoming the model nationwide." Higher education institutions in the state have also integrated AI into degree programs and work-based learning opportunities. The state is now working to expand those foundations through several initiatives. The Generative AI Year of Learning, according to the report, has provided 75 school divisions with in-person regional training and access to an online resource hub. Instructional Technology Resource Teachers support this effort by guiding students and coaching educators, while the state’s 15 college partnership lab schools are piloting an AI-infused curriculum that gives students hands-on experience.
The group recommends raising academic standards, increasing AI literacy, encouraging local policy ownership, spotlighting successful AI use cases, and building an expansive talent pipeline from K-12 through higher education to continue this progression, while also focusing on current workforce development.
According to the report, the state has launched a centralized upskilling portal on the Virginia Has Jobs website, offering courses such as Google AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials certifications. The moves align with the Virginia Works 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which says, “By 2030, we envision that Virginia has the most AI-ready, emerging-technology-equipped, and durable (soft) skills-prepared workforce in the country.”
In order to move closer to that goal, the AI Task Force recommended launching easy-entry digital literacy and AI programs, partnering with employers to develop tailored training, and integrating AI literacy into K-12 education to prepare future generations — with progress being measured through program participation, employer collaboration and the adoption of AI literacy in schools.
The report also highlighted infrastructure and energy planning. It pointed out the need for careful management of grid capacity, efficiency and long-term sustainability to support the energy demands of large-scale AI systems. It encouraged state leaders to expand partnerships with energy providers, locate data centers near reliable power sources to reduce grid stress, and use AI to optimize energy deployment. Each of those measures is a necessity, according to the task force, to make sure AI growth does not outpace infrastructure readiness, particularly in a state that “has the largest concentration of data centers in the world.”
Last, the task force stressed measured oversight and accountability in the report. Rather than calling for sweeping regulations, it recommended targeted protections for privacy, civil rights and child safety. Agencies were advised to develop internal AI policies, maintain a centralized registry of AI use cases, do pilot projects to improve service delivery and train employees to understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.
