The Code of Virginia vests the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (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.

SCHEV is required by statute to submit an annual report on progress toward the statutory goals. The 2023 Annual Report summarizes the three statutory goals, key findings from an assessment of where Virginia stands relative to the statutory goals, as well as upcoming and recent activities that directly support Pathways to Opportunity (The Plan).