By Carley Swaim Walker, Senior Vice President, Workforce & Community Development & Director, Workforce NOW
When we launched the Workforce NOW Implementation Grant through GO Virginia, our mission was clear: to build a stronger, more connected talent pipeline that prepares our students for life after high school and gives our businesses access to homegrown, ready-to-work talent.
Today, as we officially close-out this $250,000 grant, I’m proud to say: we’ve laid the foundation, built the partnerships, and created lasting momentum.
But this is more than a wrap-up. It’s a launch pad for the future!
What We’ve Accomplished: Together
This grant allowed us to go beyond plans and into action. With the support of our Chamber team, regional schools, business leaders, and volunteers, Workforce NOW has:
- Engaged 615 businesses in target industries
- 249 students placed in internships and other work-based learning opportunities
- Hosted 12 workshops to help employers navigate student engagement and talent development
- Held countless one-on-one meetings with businesses to offer direct guidance and support
- Received local, state, and national recognition, including U.S. Chamber training and best practice highlights
- Launched the Workforce NOW Scholarship Fund, distributing $10,000 to students pursuing work-based learning or postsecondary career training
- Built a dedicated network of leaders from our Workforce NOW Board of Directors to our amazing Student Voice Committee, all working to ensure this isn’t just a moment… it’s a movement
And we’re not done yet.
What’s Next: The 3 E’s + 1
Our vision is embedded in preparing students to be:
- Enrolled in further education
- Enlisted in service
- Employed in meaningful careers
- Engaged in their community
Workforce NOW helps align those outcomes by creating real-world connections between education and our business community. Because when students are surrounded by opportunity, support, and community, every door opens wider.
To make it easier for employers to be part of that journey, we’re launching a new business-facing resource page, a one-stop shop with everything you need to host an intern, extern, or student visitor. From best practices to legal requirements, this tool will simplify the process of getting involved and ensure you’re supported every step of the way. Coming soon!
Why Your Involvement Matters
Workforce development is not a school problem. It’s a community responsibility. And now more than ever, we need your voice, your investment, and your partnership.
Whether you’re a small business offering your first internship, a funder looking to support scholarships, or a leader who believes in the power of mentorship, there’s a place for you here.
“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” – Henrik Ibsen
Let’s keep steering our students and our region toward a stronger future!
To Our Current Partners: Thank You
To those who have already committed to this work, our dedicated committee members, business partners, educators, and volunteers, you are the backbone of Workforce NOW. Your continued support, innovative ideas, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in steering this ship toward success.
Your contributions have not only shaped the program but have also made a tangible difference in the lives of countless students. Thank you for your dedication and for being champions of our community’s future.
Let’s continue this journey together, building on our successes and striving for even greater impact.
Ready to Get Involved?
Want to host students? Sponsor an event? Fund a scholarship? Join a committee?
We’d love to connect. Because the future of our workforce depends on all of us and with Workforce NOW, we have the blueprint to build it together.
Carley Walker [email protected]
(540) 373-9508