This summer, six educators from Henry County and Pittsylvania County participated in the Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships (EXCITE) program. By providing educators with firsthand, hands-on exposure to regional employers and industries, the program helps bridge the gap between education and employers.
Sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), the EXCITE program is designed to:
- Increase educators’ understanding of local career opportunities.
- Equip teachers with real-world knowledge to help students connect classroom learning to industry needs.
- Expose educators to the importance of soft skills like communication and teamwork in today’s workforce.
- Bridge the gap between educational standards (SOL competencies) and their application in the workplace.
“In alignment with IALR’s commitment to work-based learning, EXCITE allows teachers to better understand the skills and competencies required by local industries. EXCITE equips teachers to help their students prepare for high-demand, high-paying jobs right here in our community.” – Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, IALR
During the week-long experience, the educators spent the first four days visiting the following businesses in Southern Virginia:
- The Virginia Museum of Natural History (Martinsville)
- The Bee Hotel (Danville)
- BTW21 (Martinsville)
- Archie Public Library (Danville)
- Blue Ridge Aquaculture (Martinsville)
- Pittsylvania County Government (Chatham)
- Pathfinders Resources (Danville)
- Kegerreis Marketing (Danville)
- Rudy’s Girl Media (Martinsville)
- IALR (Danville)
- Danville Fire Department (Danville)
During these visits, they toured facilities, learned about the skills and education required in various sectors and shadowed employees performing hands-on tasks. While working with BTW21 and Rudy’s Girl Media, the educators developed social media strategies and explored the community, captured footage and edited promotional videos.
Four of the educators participated in the EXCITE program with Natalie Hodge and Dana Wilson of Rudy’s Girl Media.
On the last day of the program the educators discussed lessons learned and brainstormed how they could implement this new knowledge in their classrooms.
“Educators need to know the current demands of the regional marketplace to help prepare and retain local talent.” – Natalie Hodge, Owner, Rudy’s Girl Media
Participants left the program with a deeper understanding of how the lessons they teach their students can directly relate to regional career pathways.
“After this program, I can do my job more effectively. I have more tools to use and provide to my students.” – Daphne Bullock, Counselor, Axton Elementary School
“I didn’t know some of these careers existed in our area. Now I can tell my students that we have all these options.'” – Donna Kazcor, Agriculture and CTE Teacher, Laurel Park Middle School
The program also highlighted how diverse roles within companies—from set design to IT and public relations—contribute to large-scale operations like media production. These insights broaden educators’ understanding of potential career paths for students.
In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and tools, educators received a stipend for their time, reinforcing the value of their participation in preparing students for the future. The Henry County educators’ stipends were paid by the school division. Pittsylvania County’s were provided by funding from the county for EmPOWER programs (including EXCITE, summer internships, etc.).
With programs like EXCITE, IALR continues its mission to connect education with industry needs, ensuring students are prepared to succeed in an evolving workforce.
