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- 2023 Experience Works
Wednesday, June 28
OPENING SESSION
GREETINGS
Sharon W. Acuff, Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Virginia Department of Education
INTRODUCTION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. J. Anthony Williams, Acting Director
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Virginia Department of Education
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Emily Webb
Vice President of Education and Workforce Development
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
SESSION I WORKSHOPS
I.1 Collaborating for Student Success
Kristi Allison, CTE Coordinator, James Monroe High School, Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Megan Waite, Special Education Department Chair, Colonial Forge High School, Stafford County Public Schools
A successful collaboration between career and technical education (CTE) and special education creates opportunities for students to engage in authentic learning experiences to increase workplace skills. This presentation examines the process for ensuring all students have access to instruction, materials, and CTE high-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) experiences to meet their individual needs. Teamwork between faculty and students is the key to creating a successful and profitable student-managed, school-based enterprise. This workshop will highlight programs including those developed for students pursuing a Standard, Advanced, or Applied Studies Diploma. The presentation will also include information related to the implementation of the Start on Success (SOS) program, as well as additional ideas for creating and implementing collaborative teams and programs in your school division.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
I.2 Creating and Expanding Business Partnerships
Mac Beaton, Director, Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools
Beverly L. Cocke, M.Ed, Administrative Coordinator, Workforce and Career Development, Henrico County Public Schools
Come learn about the techniques used in Henrico County Public Schools to grow effective business partnerships. Students enrolled in trades-related programs at the Adult Career Education Center are helping design and build a 48,000-square-foot school inside an existing mall to serve the local adult population. The exposure has provided students under the age of 18 the chance to gain commercial construction experience. This opportunity allows for long-lasting relationships to be established between the school division and business partners, as well as between the students and business partners. So, take the time to explore how partnerships should be much more than a one-time request. They must grow.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
I.3 How to Make a Career Fair Pay Off – From Struggles to Success
Matthew Bechtel, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
Leah Ross, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Fairfax County Public Schools
Danielle Meyer, Workforce Development Coordinator, Prince William County Public Schools
Danny Rubin, President, Rubin
Does the thought of running a career fair keep you up at night? Learn how seven Northern Virginia school divisions partner annually to plan and deliver a virtual career expo event, Instruction 2 Industry, for high school students across Superintendent’s Region 4. Each school division participates in different ways, from planning to implementing all aspects of the event, including local chamber involvement. Learn how to prepare your students to talk with industry leaders and to develop an “elevator pitch” for a great first impression. Get a ready-made toolkit to coordinate your own virtual career fair and easy steps to prepare your students by attending this workshop.
SESSION II WORKSHOPS
II.1 Highlighting Successful Collaborations for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Matt Luther, Regional Transition Specialist, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
This workshop will provide information about the Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program for anyone new to the program or in need of a refresher. Participants will be presented with examples of effective collaboration in the coordination and delivery of Pre-ETS from around the Commonwealth. These examples will demonstrate how we truly accomplish better outcomes for our students with disabilities by partnering with agencies and organizations like our local school divisions, community colleges, Pre-ETS vendors, businesses, and more.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
II.2 21st Century Hidden Gems: Career Pathways in Manufacturing
Lorin Sodell, Director of Business Development and Advanced Manufacturing Education, Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM)
Facilitator: Lauren-Anne Sledzinski, Trade and Industrial Education and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
During this workshop, participants are guided through the many exciting Manufacturing Career Cluster pathway opportunities that have come to the forefront over the last few years, with career potential at all levels of industry certification. Participants will learn about the impact of logistics; recent supply chain concerns; production and health, safety, and environmental improvements in the “new” manufacturing sites; and state-side manufacturing CTE HQWBL opportunities with ideas about how they can enhance instruction, skills, and career potential.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
II.3 Creating a Balance Between Experience and Potential with Internships and Externships
Kenyetta Goshen, CTE Senior Director, Norfolk Public Schools
Tonya Harvey, CTE Senior Coordinator, Norfolk Public Schools
Phalishia Johnson, Special Population Specialist, Norfolk Public Schools
Dr. Brandon Bell, Site Coordinator, Norfolk Technical Center
Students need experience related to the career they are interested in pursuing. Internships and externships can be that experience, because they allow students to network with great people and sharpen their skills before entering the workforce. During this workshop, the knowledge and skills acquired in school will be discussed. Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how these experiences allow students to connect structured classroom learning to relevant on-the-job experiences.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
Bridging Experience and Potential with HQWBL
ALL ATTENDEES SESSION
Recruiting Alphas: Building Your CTE Advisory Committee
Jason Van Nus, Director of Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Programs, Lowndes County Schools, Georgia
If you view your CTE Advisory Committee as a Perkins-required hoop to jump through, you’re missing the point. Learn how to build your committee and recruit members to serve as a WBL engine that will impact your students, program, and community. In this plenary session, Jason will share simple and applicable techniques for CTE WBL coordinators to apply when recruiting employers. The strategies will be effective for CTE HQWBL programs in both rural and metro areas.
Resources:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
Building Dynamic Advisory Committees - Brainstorming Worksheet for Recruiting
Example WBL/YAP Elevator Speech
Participant Building Dynamic Advisory Committees - Brainstorming Worksheet for Recruiting
WBL/YAP Board of Directors Meeting
SESSION III WORKSHOPS
III.1 Exploring Careers with PERT Transition Services
Ginger Sharrer, Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition Field Services Supervisor, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
Rusty Eddins, Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition Director, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center
The Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) program is a highly effective schoolto- work transition initiative supported by the Virginia Department of Education and administered through the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services at the Woodrow Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. PERT assists students in their transition from high school to postsecondary options by helping them answer these questions:
- What is out there for me?
- What are my talents?
- What are my interests?
- What types of jobs might I enjoy doing?
- What skills do I need to become employed?
- What do I need to learn to live on my own?
Through this workshop you will learn about the variety of PERT transition services available to students who have an IEP or 504 plan. PERT has created additional transition services to meet the diverse needs of our students in Virginia school divisions.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
III.2 Cybersecurity Pathways
Dr. David Raymond, Director, Virginia Cyber Range and U.S. Cyber Range, Virginia Tech
Christopher Starke, Briar Woods High School, Loudoun County Public Schools
Facilitator: Judith Sams, Business and Information Technology and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
During this workshop, the presenters will discuss teaching strategies, instructional techniques and resources, and a variety of CTE HQWBL opportunities available to Virginia high school students. An update on cybersecurity courses and Board of Education approved industry credentials will be provided to show how students may graduate from high school more prepared for immediate careers and/or additional education in multiple career pathways aligned to cybersecurity.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
III.3 Health and Medical Sciences Trends
William A. Hazel, Jr., M.D., Senior Deputy Executive Director, Claude Moore Foundation
Facilitator: Crystal Stokes, Health and Medical Sciences and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
During this workshop, the presenters will discuss the pathways a student can take to enter the healthcare industry after high school. The discussion will include current trends in health care, entry-level positions, CTE HQWBL healthcare opportunities, and the approved CTE Health and Medical Sciences courses offered in Virginia.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
SESSION IV WORKSHOPS
IV.1 New CTE Work-Based Learning Coordinator Training – Part 1
Patricia Hodge, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Region 3, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Dr. Tamantha Hurt, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Region 8, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Are you a new CTE work-based learning coordinator? Do you need help getting started with or enhancing your CTE HQWBL program? This introductory workshop will include an overview of CTE, CTE HQWBL, and valuable online tools and resources.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
IV.2 Seeking to Spark Future Aviation Workers
Anthony Whitehead, School Relations & Engagement Specialist, Dynamic Aviation
Facilitator: Lauren-Anne Sledzinski, Trade and Industrial Education and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Both general and commercial aviation are seeing demand rise, but, almost across the board, the companies supporting all this new demand are experiencing workforce shortages. These shortages affect not only the pilot population, but also the technicians and other service professionals who keep our aircraft flying safely. This workshop will include workforce data, careers in the aviation industry, and CTE HQWBL opportunities in the aviation field.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
IV.3 Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)–Service Learning: Pulaski County High School Sensory Trail
Carley Pavan-Ballard, Agricultural Education Teacher, Pulaski County Career and Technical Center
Megan Atkinson, CTE Director, Pulaski County Public Schools
Facilitator: LaVeta Nutter, Agricultural Education and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
The SAE experience is designed to be managed by one or more students where they plan, evaluate, and execute a project designed to provide a service to a school, public entity, or the community. During this workshop, learn how Pulaski County High School students determined their community’s need, developed the plan for an SAE service-learning project, and built the sensory trail at Pulaski County High School to provide the community with interactive sensory experiences. Through this experience, students had the opportunity to hone their technical and critical thinking skills and develop crucial career readiness skills, which better prepares them for postsecondary endeavors.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
Thursday, June 29
ALL ATTENDEES SESSION
Getting Started with School-Sponsored Apprenticeships
Kathleen Eddington, Assistant Director, Division of Registered Apprenticeship, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
The public school system is often the largest employer in the area. As an employer, are you experiencing a workforce shortage? Are retirements on the horizon? Do your schools need employees in facilities maintenance, culinary services, administration, information technology, or child development? Students in CTE programs are your future workforce. Explore Youth Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for your school division.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
SESSION V WORKSHOPS
V.1 Work-Based Learning that Works for English Learners: A Multifaceted Approach
Jo-el Cox, Coordinator for English Learner Instruction, Office of Humanities, Virginia Department of Education
Louise Marks, Title III Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education, Office of ESSA Programs
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore ways to engage multilingual families, support employers, and scaffold classroom instruction and CTE HQWBL experiences for English learners. Participants will receive strategies and resources that lay the instructional foundation for English learners in CTE HQWBL programs, ideas on how to inform and engage families, and tools for employers who hire English learners.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
V.2 School-Based Enterprise (SBE) Can Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Aaron Arnold, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Virginia Beach Public Schools
Adriane Graham, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Newport News Public Schools
Toinette Outland, CTE Instructional Supervisor, Newport News Public Schools
Tiffanie Smith, CTE Teacher, Newport News Public Schools
Facilitator: Karen Charney, Marketing and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Work within your classes to establish an SBE that meets the CTE HQWBL guidelines! SBE, an ongoing, student-managed, entrepreneurial operation within the school setting, may just be the CTE HQWBL experience that fits into your existing plan of studies, while providing goods or services to meet the needs of your school’s target markets. During this workshop, learn about best practices for establishing and maintaining a successful school store, a student-operated credit union, and a student-led help desk. The key to any successful venture is to know your customer and establish a unique value proposition. Consider the possibilities, think outside the box about SBEs, and kick-start your efforts to provide valuable CTE HQWBL experiences for your students!
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
V.3 Energy Pathways
Matt Kellam, Manager, Workforce Development & Planning, Dominion Energy
Eugene Thompson, PMP, Fleet Director, Nuclear, Day & Zimmermann
Jim Egenrieder, Ph.D., Engineering and Education Research Faculty and Director, Virginia Tech
Facilitator: Dr. Lynn Basham, Technology Education and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
During this workshop, industry leaders will discuss the exciting Energy Career Cluster pathway opportunities that continue to evolve. The discussion will include CTE HQWBL opportunities, approved CTE energy courses offered in Virginia, and entry-level positions within the energy industry.
Resources:
Careers in Nuclear Energy Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
Dominion Energy Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
WBL and the Virginia Energy Cluster Curricula Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
SESSION VI WORKSHOPS
VI.1 Instilling the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Brandon Hennessey, Director, Alan B. Miller Entrepreneurship Center, The College of William and Mary
Entrepreneurship is more than just starting a business, it’s a mindset and a way of thinking that can lead to elevated success in any field. In today’s rapidly changing world, being innovative is the key to staying ahead of the curve. In this workshop, we’ll explore the essential skills and qualities that make a successful entrepreneur, and attendees will learn how K–12 educators can encourage innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in their students. Discussion will include practical strategies for incorporating entrepreneurship and innovation into the curriculum, along with how to provide opportunities for students to practice these skills in real-world situations. This workshop is tailored specifically to K–12 educators and administrators looking to inspire and prepare students for a bright and successful future.
VI.2 Cooperative Education: A Roadmap for CTE HQWBL
Kim McKee, Marketing Teacher-Coordinator & Department Head, Northside High School, Roanoke County Public Schools
Jordan Persinger, Marketing Teacher-Coordinator, William Byrd High School, Roanoke County Public Schools
Facilitator: Karen Charney, Marketing and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Cooperative Education is a paid CTE HQWBL experience connecting CTE classroom instruction with practical work experience, providing students with the opportunity to gain real-world, supervised work experience related to their interests and abilities. Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) enjoys 120 years of combined supervisory experience with this CTE HQWBL method. Learn from two former Cooperative Education students—now seasoned CTE HQWBL coordinators—about how RCPS successfully implements Cooperative Education, including a calendar roadmap/timeline you can use in your school division.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
VI.3 New CTE Work-Based Learning Coordinator Training – Part 2
Patricia Hodge, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Region 3, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
Dr. Tamantha Hurt, Work-Based Learning Specialist, Region 8, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
If you are a new CTE work-based learning coordinator, come learn how to implement or grow CTE HQWBL in your division. During this second part of a two-part series, participants will explore strategies for implementing the 12 CTE HQWBL experiences. Information regarding optional follow-up training workshops offering continued support throughout the year will also be provided.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
ALL ATTENDEES SESSION
Build Your WBL Credit Score with Employers: The Secret Sauce to Customizing Your WBL Program
Mike Hassler, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Washington County School District, Utah
Maicey Hunt, Work-Based Learning Student-Intern, Enterprise High School, Utah
Have you considered the optics of your CTE HQWBL program? Learn about the five components of your work-based learning credit score. Increase credibility within your community by adding employer workshops to enhance relationship building with your students. Learn why small adjustments can equal big gains. Attend this session to learn more about a customized local program that can be made adaptable for your school division.
- Conditions: matching the student to the experience
- Capacity: ability to generate experiences that meet employer needs
- Capital: economic contribution of the program
- Character: track record of managing experiences
- Collateral: buy-in of parents, administration, and other work-based learning stakeholders
SESSION VII WORKSHOPS
VII.1 Virginia Child Labor Laws and Regulations
Robert Armstrong, Assistant Director of Labor and Employment Law, Department of Labor and Industry – Child Labor
What is the age requirement to send our students out to work? Where do I find the regulations for students working in their chosen career path? If you have questions, this workshop will address new legislation regarding child labor laws and review any changes to existing laws and regulations, including the change to minimum wage and what that means for CTE students.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
VII.2 Digital Workforce Preparation: From Digital Literacy to Fiber-Optic Technicians
Tamarah Holmes, Director, Office of Broadband, Department of Housing and Community Development
Cole McAndrew, Policy Planner, Office of Broadband, Department of Housing and Community Development
Virginia’s investment in broadband is nearing $1 billion. In this workshop, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Broadband will provide an overview of to-date and future investments, discuss the workforce needed to build out remaining broadband infrastructure in Virginia, and consider how Virginia’s Digital Opportunity Plan will help develop the digital skills that all Virginians need to take advantage of connectivity.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
VII.3 Expanding Clinical Opportunities
Barbara Exum, Pharm.D., Director of Center for Compounding Practice & Research, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University
Facilitator: Crystal Stokes, Health and Medical Sciences and Related Clusters Specialist, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Virginia Department of Education
It is no secret the healthcare industry is facing a staffing crisis, and finding clinical sites is no exception. During this workshop, learn how to build and expand relationships with healthcare organizations. Strategies for clinical coordinators to locate clinical sites, industry hiring trends, and the value of certification for your students and its impact on access to employment will be provided.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
ALL ATTENDEES SESSION
Local Diploma Seals and Requirements for Graduation
Adriana Cox, M.S.W., Workforce Engagement Coordinator, Bristol Public Schools
Mark Husband, Director of CTE and Virtual Learning, Montgomery County Public Schools
Do you want future employers to know that students are workforce ready while having met all graduation requirements? Regulatory guidance provides school divisions with the option for students to “receive other seals or awards for exceptional academic, career and technical, citizenship, or other exemplary performance in accordance with criteria defined by the local school board.” (8VAC20-131-51.H) During this session, learn how two school divisions worked with their chambers of commerce to create a local diploma seal.
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
CLOSING SESSION
VDOE HQWBL UPDATES
Sharon W. Acuff
Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Virginia Department of Education
CLOSING COMMENTS
Dr. Anthony Williams
Acting Director
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
Virginia Department of Education
Resource:
Presentation Slideshow (PDF)
EXHIBITORS
Anton Paar
Dalton Echard, Apprenticeship Program Manager
Anton Paar is a scientific instrumentation company with a U.S. headquarters in Ashland, Virginia. Anton Paar produces, sells, supports, and services highly accurate tools needed for scientific measurements and characterization that are found anywhere from quality control lines to government agencies to universities. The knowledge required to service, support, or sell this technology calls for academic knowledge and hands-on skills. To develop skills required for this field, students have the opportunity to join a three-year apprenticeship through Anton Paar that offers workplace learning, a free associate degree in science, engineering, or mechatronics, and a guaranteed job in the company as an introductory engineer or scientist.
Associated General Contractors of Virginia | Build Your Future Virginia
Courtney Baker, Director of Workforce and Training, Associated General Contractors of Virginia
Building a Bridge between Education and Industry: Research shows that educators and counselors want to talk to students about the opportunities in construction. They just do not know enough about the industry to lead those conversations. With growing requirements surrounding work-based learning and career mapping, how does a person navigate a career pathway into an industry they are not familiar with? The good news is you do not have to have all the answers. We want to bridge that gap to your greatest resource: your local community. This presentation will leave you with practical classroom tools and a better understanding of steps towards making construction a career. But even more so, we hope to convey how healthy community partnerships with construction companies can help you and your diverse range of students explore what construction has to offer as a viable career option.
CTE Resource Center
The CTE Resource Center is the state’s repository for all CTE courses taught in Virginia’s public schools. This presentation will help businesses get acclimated to what is offered throughout Virginia and help educators learn different means of searching for courses, viewing competencies in Canvas, and importing competencies into your own learning management system.
Day and Zimmermann
Gene Thompson, Fleet Director
Day and Zimmermann provides operations, maintenance, and capital project support for more than half of the country’s nuclear fleet (52 of 93 operating reactor units, including Dominion Energy), Canada’s Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Stations, and leading utilities in the coal, oil, gas, hydro, and solar markets. In a single year, we have executed more than 16 million hours of construction, outage, routine maintenance, welding, scaffolding, valve services, radiological protection, and security screening services across the country.
Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
This video is a brief overview of the five required categories of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) that the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services provides to students with disabilities. The video also contains information on how to get connected with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.
Division of Registered Apprenticeship, Department of Labor and Industry
Looking for a skilled workforce? Learn how to staff your schools and counties using the Youth Registered Apprenticeship model. The public school system is often the largest employer in the area. As an employer, are you experiencing a workforce shortage, and are retirements on the horizon? Do your schools have a facilities maintenance, culinary, administration, IT, and early child education centers? CTE students are your future workforce. Explore Registered Apprenticeship; look no further.
EVERFI from Blackbaud
Erin Dlott, Implementation Specialist for EVERFI
Teagan Seeley, Director of District Relationships for EVERFI
Educating for Employability: To be successful in the workforce, our students need support in developing financial literacy, positive relationships, mental health, professionalism, and social skills. Attendees will explore EVERFI’s no-cost, standards-aligned digital resources and offline lessons, which increase student engagement in the classroom and employability and wellness in the real world.
GO TEC: Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers
Jacob Taylor, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, GO TEC Technical & Training Manager
Jan Brooks, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, GO TEC Program Manager
Primarily administered by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), GO TEC is a collaborative project that aims to develop regional workforces to meet changing industry demands. Through a hub-and-spoke model that involves K–12 school systems, higher education, and industry, GO TEC delivers real-world workforce training and talent development. GO TEC engages students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics, and advanced materials.
Pathful
Lily Shaw, Regional Sales Manager
Powered by four platforms—Pathful Explore, Pathful Course Planner, Pathful Connect, and Pathful Junior—Pathful provides the greatest depth of coverage across the full college and career readiness journey for K–12 students. From short, recorded “day-in-the-life” videos, to assessments and career profiles containing local career information, to the ability for classrooms to video-chat live with over 60,000 industry professionals, we help every student figure out their path.
RUBIN
Danny Rubin, Founder
Let’s teach employability skills, together. Before high school students walk off the graduation stage, they must understand:
- How to send a professional business email
- How to speak on the phone
- How to hold meaningful face-to-face conversations
Why? Employers and college admissions teams need young people to arrive with strong communication skills (i.e., email etiquette and phone etiquette). Rubin makes it happen through an innovative mix of activities based on work-based learning scenarios. Students love the material because it’s tangible and relevant to their lives. Rubin gives you the tools to transform your students into confident job seekers and working professionals who rise above and command attention. Learn how to access the Rubin library of career exploration webinars, employability curriculum and more!
ScholarPath
Dr. Patrick Fine, National Director of Education
Founded by an experienced team of educators and technologists, ScholarPath is a workforce development social network tool for high school students. By building an ecosystem for students, colleges, employers, and the military, ScholarPath is changing how high school students plan their future and how high school talent is recruited. ScholarPath helps high school students find their right path, whether it be college, the workforce, or the military.
Virginia Association of Surveyors
John Palatiello, Executive Director
Stephen Letchford, President
The Virginia Association of Surveyors (VAS) is a nonprofit professional society of licensed land surveyors throughout the Commonwealth. VAS was established in 1948 to promote the best practices of our members, provide a forum for discussion, and offer professional development courses to licensed, practicing surveyors in the Commonwealth. Additionally, VAS supports future surveyors, technicians, and the public to further recognize the contributions the surveying profession provides to the community. VAS serves the public and the profession through outreach and activities such as conferences, scholarships, and advocacy. VAS is an affiliate of the National Society of Professional Surveyors and American Association for Geodetic Surveying.
Surveying is an exciting and rewarding career. Surveyors and the technicians who assist in the practice of surveying play an important part in the U.S. economy. These professionals and their support technicians make accurate measurements of the land, structures, and natural and man-made features, and determine property boundaries. As part of the geospatial workforce, surveyors and technicians provide data relevant to the size, shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, and dimensions of land and features on or near the earth’s surface. An important part of the history of Virginia from the contributions of surveyors George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, surveyors today use exciting technology to complete complex and challenging projects in engineering, land use, development, construction, environmental protection, resource management, defense, aerospace, law enforcement, public safety, homeland security, health care, public and private utilities, energy and other fossil and renewable resources development, IT and software/hardware development, internet tools, general business, banking, insurance, retail and marketing, and government agencies at all levels. Geospatial technologies now have a place in almost every market sector and industry. For more information, visit www.vasurveyors.org.
Virginia Credit Union
Tori Filas, Senior Financial Education Specialist
Virginia Credit Union (VACU) is a not-for-profit organization that serves our members, the owners of our financial cooperative. Beyond everyday personal and business banking needs, we offer loans and mortgages, insurance, investments, and education through VACU and our affiliated partners. VACU’s award-winning financial education programs serve learners from kindergarten to college and beyond. Last year, VACU reached over 270 educators through teacher training programs and presented to nearly 100 CTE teachers across the state as part of the Finance Career Cluster. Over 65,000 Virginia students participated in our financial education programs in 2022. Our team of financial educators focuses on banking basics: setting up accounts, direct deposit, the costs of being unbanked, and other personal finance topics. We also emphasize the importance of investing in one’s earning potential through education and credentialing and discuss the effects of credit history on employment opportunities. Through our HQWBL lessons, we expose students to potential careers in the finance industry and assist with workforce readiness.
Virginia Department of Aviation
Betty Wilson, PR and Education Manager
David Halstead, PR and Education Coordinator
Tony Sotelo, PR and Education Specialist
With the ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program students are introduced to general aviation aircraft and aviation careers without having to leave their schools. The Virginia Department of Aviation offers this and other aviation education programs to students of all ages across the Commonwealth. There is a huge shortage of pilots, aviation mechanics, etc. throughout the aviation industry. We want students to understand all the aviation-related opportunities available to them.
The Virginia Lottery
Kelly Gee, Virginia Lottery Executive Director
At the Virginia Lottery, we take playing seriously. Fun matters. Excitement matters. And so does the education of Virginia’s youngest residents. It’s the reason we play so enthusiastically. Every time you scratch a ticket or pick your numbers for the big jackpot, you are creating winners in education all over Virginia. Last year, the Lottery contributed more than $779 million to Virginia’s public schools, more than $2.1 million per day. For this event, we’d like to share information about our support of Virginia’s K–12 public education efforts supporting responsible gaming, and warnings about falling victim of scams.
Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
Jim Wilson, Vice President, Education and Workforce Development
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) is the only unified voice for the restaurant, lodging, travel, and hospitality suppliers associations. VRLTA creates value for members by promoting the legislative interests of the industry, networking, educational opportunities, and protecting free enterprise. Virginia ProStart is a CTE program that unites the food service industry and the classroom to teach high school students’ culinary skills and restaurant management principles, as well as employability skills such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and time management.
Virginia Space Consortium
Chris Carter, Director
Ian Cawthray, STEM Education Specialist
Virginia Space Consortium (VSGC) programs offer problem-based, real-world projects and interaction with practicing professionals in the STEM field. This video features the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program. VASTS offers high school juniors and seniors an immersive online course focused on aerospace engineering, physics, and other STEM subjects as they relate to NASA’s human exploration mission. The course is free, and the top performers are selected to attend one of three residential, one-week summer academies at NASA Langley Research Center. At the summer academy, students design a human mission to Mars, work in NASA mission team member roles and engage with NASA and industry mentors. Students receive five free college credits for the program. VSGC offers several other free programs for Virginia students, and all have won “Programs That Work” awards from the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition, and several have received NASA Achievement Awards.
The Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) program provides an online Earth Systems Science course followed by two one-week summer academies at NASA Langley at which students design and defend a new scientific mission to address one of the key science issues identified in the National Academies Decadal Survey. Participants receive five dual enrolled college credits for
VESSS. Virginia Space Coast Scholars engages high school sophomores in an online course that is focused on missions led by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. The top performing students are selected to attend one of three one-week academies at NASA Wallops Flight Facility in which students learn about scientific missions and develop and propose their own mission working with NASA scientists
and engineers.
VSGC also offers an immersive, three-day summer residential STEM experience for rising ninthand tenth-graders hosted by five Virginia universities. The program is called BLAST (Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology). BLAST hosts include Old Dominion University, Radford University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and The College of William and Mary. VSGC is a coalition of five Virginia colleges and universities, NASA, state educational agencies, and other institutions representing diverse STEM education, research, and workforce development.
Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership
Ashley Crute, Associate for Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives
The Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) is a formally established partnership between the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce to develop a statewide initiative to facilitate the readiness of students, employers, and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning. V-TOP provides grants to institutions to expand paid and credit-bearing student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia Employers. Our goal is to make Virginia the top state for business, education, and talent.
Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, Career and Workforce Development Division, Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation and Transition Program
Kati Simmons, Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation and Transition Resource Specialist/Northern Virginia
Lavonte Bradley, Former Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation and Transition Recreation Staff
The Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation and Transition (PERT) program is a highly successful transition program located at Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center. This video provides a quick virtual tour overview of the program including the traditional program components of vocational exploration, independent living evaluation, recreation leisure skills, and ancillaries such as Occupational Therapy Driving evaluations. Most of the video focuses on the Comprehensive program and selection of job areas to try in hands-on work areas of Vocational Evaluation. Evening programming, including independent living assessment and recreation activities, are also shown. The video is a quick synopsis of how PERT works.