The Code of Virginia vests the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) with the responsibility to develop a statewide strategic plan that reflects statutory goals for higher education in The Commonwealth, identifies a coordinated approach to such state and regional goals and emphasizes the future needs for higher education in Virginia. Approved in January 2021, Pathways to Opportunity: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education (The Plan), identifies trends that the Commonwealth must address if it is to continue to prosper and succeed.

The State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV) is required per Code to submit an annual report on progress toward the statutory goals. The 2021 Annual Report summarizes the three statutory goals, key findings from a baseline assessment of where Virginia stands relative to the statutory goals as well as upcoming and recent activities that directly support The Pathways to Opportunity Plan.