The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking employers and businesses across Southern Virginia to partner and participate in several work-based learning programs. With varying levels of time and financial commitments, these programs help employers grow the regional workforce and allow students to connect and learn about quality career opportunities in the region.
“We operate a variety of youth workforce development programs that are mutually beneficial to the participants and the businesses involved,” said Jessie Vernon, Program Manager for Advanced Learning at IALR. “Our programming helps build recruitment pipelines and exposes youth in the region to the opportunities available with area businesses. While we coordinate these programs, they truly would not be possible without the support of our business and community partners.”
Each of the programs below are part of EmPOWER, an employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers. Through career awareness, engagement, and experience we can build pipelines of students whose interests and skillsets align with current employer needs and economic development interests.
Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (Excite)
IALR is looking for businesses to host teachers or school counselors through Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE), a professional development program operating for educators across 15 counties in Virginia. By placing educators in local businesses through this teacher externship program, IALR helps connect the classroom to the workplace. With first-hand exposure, teachers can design and implement classroom activities, projects and work-based learning opportunities that will add relevance and meaning to students’ classroom learning.
Participating businesses commit between one and three days during the summer to host an educator. There is no financial commitment associated with this program.
Businesses interested in hosting an educator this summer can reach out to Jessie Vernon. The deadline to sign up to host an educator is May 19th.
IGNITE – Internships (already completed)
IALR is looking for businesses that can host a high school or college intern this summer. Companies will receive project/business support as they mentor and aid in the skill development of a young person and might just train their next hire.
More than 26,000 students across Southern Virginia have access to MajorClarity, a work-based learning platform where all internships will be posted. This gives businesses access to the best and brightest students across the region. Internship duration and hours are customizable and companies may be eligible for matching funds for the cost of the intern.
Those interested in hosting a summer intern at their business should complete this online interest form. The deadline to request a summer 2023 intern is April 28th.
AspHIRE – Meet Your Future Workforce (ALREADY COMPLETED)
IALR is looking for volunteers to participate as mock interviewers or session presenters at AspHIRE mock interview days across Southern Virginia. The mock interview days provide high school juniors and (primarily) seniors an opportunity to hone their interview skills with a local professional. In addition to their interview, students take part in a formal business lunch and six work-readiness sessions.
The AspHIRE Mock Interview Days will take place at the following locations and times:
- South Boston, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center: March 29 & 30
- Danville, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: April 7 & 26
- Farmville, Longwood University: April 25
The minimum volunteer commitment is 1.5 hours, but business professionals and employers who would like to invest more time are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
