Eleven Virginia Schools Divisions to Participate in Commonwealth Scholars Program

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Governor Timothy M. Kaine have for some time been encouraging Virginia Schools high school students to take more rigorous coursework. The Governor recently announced the pilot Commonwealth Scholars Program and promotional campaign to underscore this commitment to excellence in Virginia's youth.

Eleven divisions within the Virginia schools initially will participate in the new program. The required rigorous coursework goes beyond the minimum graduation requirements for a Standard Diploma, but falls below the college preparation coursework requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma. Students who complete the core coursework under the Virginia schools program will be recognized as Commonwealth Scholars at graduation and eligible to receive a special diploma seal that recognizes their achievement. Instructional support will be provided to all students who participate.

A two-year, $300,000 State Scholars Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Education funds the Commonwealth Scholars Program. Virginia schools were one of eight states selected in a national competition to participate in the federal grant program.

The school divisions in Virginia were chosen based on their interest in the program and their ability to meet the requirements of the grant. The eleven Virginia schools' divisions are:

o Albemarle County

o Alexandria

o Bristol

o Carroll County

o Chesterfield County

o Henry County

o Lancaster County

o Nottoway County

o Richmond

o Roanoke County

o Scott County

The Virginia Career Education Foundation, a statewide business and education partnership, will lead the Virginia schools initiative. They will work with participating school divisions to develop partnerships with local businesses and to promote the program. Private sector volunteers will be trained to make presentations to the students, focusing on how the rigorous high school courses will improve their post-high school career opportunities.

The Commonwealth Scholars Program is based on a core course of study that includes:

o Four years of English;

o Three years of mathematics -- Algebra I and II, and geometry;

o Three years of science -- biology, chemistry and physics;

o Three and half years of social studies -- selected from United States and Virginia history, world history, geography, economics and financial literacy, United States and Virginia government;

o Two years of health and physical education; and

o Two years of language other than English.

Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between the academic rigor of high school coursework taken and postsecondary degree completion. One example is mathematics -- 40 percent of students who took Algebra II in high school earned a bachelor's degree, as compared to only 23 percent of graduates who stopped taking high school mathematics at geometry.

Governor Kaine has confidence that the new Commonwealth Scholars Program will encourage many Virginia schools students to continue onto college after graduation. He has thrown down the gauntlet and issued a challenge to those Virginia schools students who are not on track for an Advanced Studies Diploma. His hope is that they will reach higher and strive to move from competence to excellence.

Hospitality Careers in Hotels, Motels, and Resorts

Do you enjoy meeting new people and providing a warm welcome to your guests? Chances are, you'd enjoy a career in the hospitality industry. Hotels, motels, and inns are an indispensable part of the life of travelers and a big part of our nation's economy. According to a recent First Research, Hotel and Motel - Lodging Report, the U.S. hospitality industry includes about 30,000 companies that operate 50,000 individual locations, with combined annual revenue over $90 billion.

Lodging establishments can vary significantly in size and in the number of services they provide, and can range from a cozy bed-and-breakfast on the seashore to a glitzy Las Vegas hotel-casino. Many lodging managers work in traditional city and suburban hotels and motels, but off the beaten track many other opportunities exist including resort inns, bed-and breakfast establishments, recreational camps, cruise ships, youth hostels, and RV parks.

A Wide Variety of Opportunities

Within the hospitality industry there are many rewarding career opportunities. The one person who oversees all of a property's lodging operations is often called a general manager. At larger hotels, one general manager supervises a staff of assistant managers of various departments including office administration, housekeeping, purchasing, security, personnel, marketing and sales, maintenance, food and beverage, and guest recreation and relations. At a casino, the gaming operations may be a major division, and may even drive the business strategy for the entire brand.

A successful lodging manager has to be a "jack of all trades." Lodging managers have wide-ranging responsibilities for the operation and profitability of the property. They may hire and train staff, and set schedules. Most importantly, a good general manager must have experience and training in every facet of the hotel's operations, from operating the restaurant to knowing how to contract the linen service to running the web-based reservations system.

In large establishments, front office managers are responsible for the hotel's guests and may oversee reservations and room assignments, and hire and train the hotel's front desk staff. Convention services managers oversee meetings, conventions, and special events. Marketing directors and public relations directors are responsible for meeting occupancy goals and coordinating the advertising and promotion of the property. Managers may work with information technology specialists to ensure that the hotel's computer systems, Internet, and communications networks are creating value. Food and beverage managers supervise the hotel's restaurant and catering activities.

How's the Pay?

Earnings of lodging managers vary according to their location, responsibilities, and the segment of the hospitality industry in which they work. According to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Division of Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual earnings of lodging managers is $42,320. The middle fifty percent earn between $31,870 and $58,380. The lowest ten percent earn less than $25,120 and the highest ten percent earn more than $82,510. For highly qualified individuals working in the upper echelons of the industry, the compensation can be significant.

Training and Advancement

While prior experience working in the hospitality industry always helps, management trainees for larger hotels may need a bachelor's or master's degree, preferably in hospitality or hotel management. Most large, full-service chains usually look for candidates who have a bachelor's degree in hotel, business, or hospitality management. At smaller properties, especially those with fewer services, the pay may be lower but employers consider applicants with an associate degree or certificate in hotel, restaurant, or hospitality management.

The Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, job growth will be around five percent a year and the job market will be competitive. The government expects that job seekers holding a college degree in hotel or hospitality management will have better opportunities, particularly at luxury and upscale hotels, cruise ships, and resorts. Shifts towards hotels with limited personal service may result in fewer opportunities for middle managers. Good customer service skills and experience in the hospitality industry, in addition to a college degree, are assets to any job seeker.

Train for a Rewarding Career in Hospitality

To explore career education opportunities, log onto a reputable college directory website and request free information from colleges and career schools with hospitality programs. Compare three or four programs, check out financial aid opportunities, and get a feel for their job placement services. If you find a school that you like, schedule a campus visit or apply online.

If you are ready to move into an exciting new career in hospitality, with the right education you could have a bright future!

Army Officer Career Timeline - Minimum Time in Grade Requirements

If you are currently an Officer in the U.S. Army, I'm going to share some tips with you about what to expect during your career. The advice in this article applies to Active Duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Officers. We're going to cover how long you can anticipate spending at each rank and what you need to do get promoted. Let's get started.

• Second Lieutenant: As a 2LT, you will spend 18 months in this grade. Typically, you will attend your Officer Basic Course and serve as a Platoon Leader.

• First Lieutenant: Promotion to 1LT is automatic once you have 18-months as a 2LT. You will spend a minimum of 24-months as a 1LT before you are eligible for promotion to Captain. As a 1LT, you will probably serve as a Company Executive Officer, Platoon Leader or Battalion Staff Officer. You must complete your Officer Basic Course before you can get promoted to Captain.

• Captain: At the 42 month in service mark, you become eligible for Captain, assuming you've completed your Officer Basic Course. Your packet will go before a DA Promotion Board. If approved, you will get promoted shortly thereafter. As a Captain, you must complete the Captain's Career Course and should complete a successful Company Command.

• Major: To get promoted to Major, you need to complete your Captain's Career Course and have a successful Company Command. Most Captains spend 4-7 years in that rank before they get promoted to Major. As a Major, you will spend 4-7 years in that position, and will probably serve as a Battalion Executive Officer and a Brigade Staff Officer.

• Lieutenant Colonel: Most Majors get selected for Lieutenant Colonel once they have 4-6 years as a Major. To get promoted to LTC, you need to complete your Intermediate Level Education, also known as ILE. Additionally, you want to have times as either a Battalion XO or Battalion S3, preferably both. This rank is a good time to get your Master's Degree too.

• Colonel: To get promoted to Colonel, you should have a successful Battalion Command. You will also want to spend time as a Brigade XO. Most Lieutenant Colonels spend about 5-6 years in that rank before getting selected for Colonel. As a Colonel, you want Brigade Command and should also get some time on the General Level Staff. If possible, you want to get selected for the Army War College and complete that as soon as possible.

• Brigadier General: Getting selected for General Officer is a huge accomplishment. Very few Officers ever reach this mark. In the Active Duty, your promotion packet will go before a General Officer Board. This is a group of Generals who review your packet to determine if you will be nominated for this promotion. If recommended, your board will go before the Dept of the Army, Dept. of Defense and finally Congress for final approval. Most Brigadier Generals serve as Assistant Division Commanders (operational) or on a Staff Position.

In conclusion, your key to completing a successful and fulfilling career is to manage your career effectively. Ultimately, you need to create your own game-plan for success. You need to know which jobs and which schools you should complete, at each rank, so you remain competitive for future promotions.

Career Education Corp, College Partnership, DeVry, Apollo Group, ITT Educational Serivces

The college education industry is growing and we've been covering the companies that are leading the way. Last May Career Education (NASDAQ: CECO) was probed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for possible securities laws violation but according to reports the Midwest regional branch of the SEC plans to recommend that the federal agency end its investigation of Career Education. Career Education operates over 80 campuses and an online education division.

The Carmel, Indiana based ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ESI) recently opened a second location in the Lexington Kentucky area and will have classes beginning in June 2006. The Lexington institute is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer associate and bachelor degree programs.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) has been a provider of higher education programs to working adults for close to 30 years. Apollo Group Inc. operates through its subsidiaries: The University of Phoenix Inc., Institute for Professional Development, The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. and Western International University Inc. They were just ranked number 1,335 on Forbes magazine list of the world's 2000 largest companies.

College Partnership (OTC: CGPA) just added a key player to their executive team with the appointment of former 13 year Baltimore City Councilman Joseph J. DiBlasi as their new Director of Sports Marketing. He was also the president of Davalli, DiBlasi Associates, LLC., a sports marketing company, he has worked with such teams and franchises as the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Bucks, Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Major League Baseball Alumni, and USA Baseball. The company looks to emerge as the leader in the college planning business.

DeVry University (NYSE: DV) has added new online health information management (HIM) technical specialty within its bachelor of science in technical management (BSTM) degree program beginning in May 2006. They will also offer onsite classes at their Arlington Virginia location beginning in July 2006.

5 Interesting Public Sector Job Roles

Here are 5 interesting public sector job roles:

1. Perhaps one of the most interesting public sector job roles is the very interpretation of the role and reach of the sector. Its roles vary from one political philosophy to the other. The libertarian and the limited government libertarians prefer a small sized public sector particularly to the economic aspects of proprietary rights. Meanwhile, the socialists have preference for large public sector participation for projects and enterprises. On the other hand, the social democrats preferred the medium scale public sector which is limited to public services.

2. The organization of the this sector comes in different forms, which sets it apart from other organization. It can be directly administered and funded through government taxes and the productions of the services are solely determined by the government. Meanwhile, the publicly owned corporations have commercial activities and functions. Its production decisions are not commonly decided by the government, although it may provide for certain goals that need to be achieved. The public sector can also go on a partial outsourcing which includes IT services among others.

3. The public Interest sector is an active partner in building infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of the residents. Infrastructure facilities include: roads, bridges, school buildings, health facilities, water supply, irrigation projects, cultural centers and public parks among others. These in turn boost not only the morale of the residents, but more importantly, they enhance the economic prosperity of the locality or the region. It also ensures and endeavors the promotion of health and safety as well as protecting the residents' rights to a well balanced ecology.

4. The Public Sector with its almost all encompassing services has a wide variety of career opportunity which includes:
• The civil service basically provides manpower support in the development and carrying out policies.
• The local council branch of the public sector are in charge of the day to day operation of the public services in a particular local area, ranging from recycling and garbage collection to traffic management and the maintenance of community facilities and centers.
• The health care division hires doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other hospital staff like dietician, security, utility and office workers. They guarantee that the residents receive the proper medical attention.
• One of the most in demand jobs is for teachers which ensure that school age students receive quality education.
• The military and the law enforcement agencies like the police are also hiring to provide additional man power support to ensure orderliness and maintain peace in society.

5. Those in the public sector are bound to observe a high standard of work ethics compared to other employees. They are accountable to the citizens at all times and are duty bound to carry out their responsibility with competence, integrity, and loyalty and upholds public interest.

These interesting roles await those who want to be a part of the public sector industry. If you think you can live up to these roles, then you might as well consider getting into this rewarding industry.

The Importance of Cisco CCNA Training

CCNA training has become the most sought after accreditation in the IT field for those looking for a career in computer networks and systems.

Many outside of the IT field will not have heard of the CCNA training. Those who do know anything about building a career in IT see it as the most important course for those starting out in the field.

Why is CCNA training important?

Anyone who is CCNA trained can move into array of IT based positions such as:

• IT help desk
• Field Technicians
• Network Professionals
• Any other job related to networking computers

What does CCNA training stand for?

CCNA is the abbreviation for Cisco Certified Network Associate. An accredited Cisco Certified Network Associate is someone who has gained the entry level certification for computer systems and networks.

Essentially CCNA training stands for knowledge and excellence at an entry level in the IT world of networks.

What will someone accredited with CCNA certification know?

Someone who has completed and passed CCNA training will have the knowledge to set up all manner of home and business networks.

This can mean something as simple as setting up a network through a router utilising bridges and routing protocols, it can also mean more intricate and technical network systems too.

The Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI for short) is a pivotal and important part of the training as it ensures that those being trained understand the international standardized system of networking such as:

• Application
• Presentation
• Session
• Transport
• Network
• Data link
• Physical

For the uninitiated this means nothing, but for those who are CCNA trained it plays an important part of the networking business.

Further to this a CCNA certified IT professional would know how to build LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide-area network) from scratch, this means actually designing and then building the networks. For local area networks they will also have the knowledge of Ethernet technologies in theory and in practise.

Other parts of the training include understanding all manner of protocols such as BOOTP, TCP, ARP, RARP and ICMP.

Where can IT professionals go for CCNA training?

The CCNA Certification is the first step for many Cisco certification paths, including CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless, and CCNP. Once the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification has been achieved there are advanced CCNA courses specializing in specific areas of networking from security and routing to voice and wireless.

There are a host of other Cisco Certified training courses where IT professionals can look to specialize further in particular areas of networking. These courses are as follows:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
• Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless)

About Unitek Education: IT training division
Unitek Education excels in providing need-based Cisco Learning to corporate clients and certification training to IT Networking career oriented individuals. Our strong focus on quality and customer service has been crucial to our Cisco Training success. This focus has helped us in expanding our client base to all 50 US states and over 40 countries worldwide. Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley in sunny California, Unitek Education offers Cisco training to thousands of clients nationwide. To review our Cisco training schedules and programs, check out our Cisco Training courses.

Career Education Corp, College Partnership, DeVry, Apollo Group, ITT Educational Serivces

The college education industry is growing and we've been covering the companies that are leading the way. Last May Career Education (NASDAQ: CECO) was probed by the Securities and Exchange Commission for possible securities laws violation but according to reports the Midwest regional branch of the SEC plans to recommend that the federal agency end its investigation of Career Education. Career Education operates over 80 campuses and an online education division.

The Carmel, Indiana based ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ESI) recently opened a second location in the Lexington Kentucky area and will have classes beginning in June 2006. The Lexington institute is licensed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to offer associate and bachelor degree programs.

Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) has been a provider of higher education programs to working adults for close to 30 years. Apollo Group Inc. operates through its subsidiaries: The University of Phoenix Inc., Institute for Professional Development, The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. and Western International University Inc. They were just ranked number 1,335 on Forbes magazine list of the world's 2000 largest companies.

College Partnership (OTC: CGPA) just added a key player to their executive team with the appointment of former 13 year Baltimore City Councilman Joseph J. DiBlasi as their new Director of Sports Marketing. He was also the president of Davalli, DiBlasi Associates, LLC., a sports marketing company, he has worked with such teams and franchises as the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Bucks, Florida Marlins, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Major League Baseball Alumni, and USA Baseball. The company looks to emerge as the leader in the college planning business.

DeVry University (NYSE: DV) has added new online health information management (HIM) technical specialty within its bachelor of science in technical management (BSTM) degree program beginning in May 2006. They will also offer onsite classes at their Arlington Virginia location beginning in July 2006.