Alleghany Supervisor Courtney Howard Selected for Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows Program   Alleghany County, VA (Aug. 6, 2026) - The Alleghany County Board of Supervisors is proud to announce that Courtney Howard, Supervisor for the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors serving the Clifton Forge West District, has been selected to join the second cohort of the Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows, a bipartisan program of The Hunt Institute that brings together local elected officials from across the Commonwealth to engage in productive dialogue on pressing issues in education policy. "It's back-to-school time here in the Alleghany Highlands—for our children and for me, too! I've always had a deep love of learning, and I'm so grateful to have been invited to participate in the second cohort of the Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows during my first year in elected office," said Howard. Courtney Howard is among a select group of local leaders chosen to participate in the program, which provides opportunities for policymakers to deepen their understanding of key education issues and collaborate with fellow leaders from across Virginia. The Fellowship focuses on critical topics including early childhood education, K-12 systems, postsecondary attainment, and workforce development. Through a series of learning sessions, Fellows engage with education experts, legislators, community leaders, and practitioners to explore evidence-based strategies that improve student outcomes and strengthen education systems. The program encourages bipartisan collaboration and equips participants with practical tools and insights that can be applied in their local communities. The Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows program builds on the success of previous Hunt Institute leadership initiatives that have brought together policymakers across multiple states to address education challenges and opportunities. Fellows participate in interactive discussions, peer-to-peer exchanges, and sessions with education leaders and students, fostering collaboration and innovation in public policy. "More than ever, students of all ages need local leaders who understand that strong communities begin with strong education systems and opportunities. I am excited to welcome this second cohort of Virginia Hunt State Policy Fellows and look forward to the leadership they will bring to education policy discussions throughout the Commonwealth," said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute.

* * * * *