At our July 25th Member Meeting, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized four outstanding students as recipients of the 2025 Workforce NOW Scholarship. These scholarships celebrate the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in our region.
The awards are an extension of the Intern Expo, a flagship event of the Workforce NOW initiative that connects local high school and college students with internship, externship, and employment opportunities. This year’s Intern Expo boasted over 650 students and 105+ local businesses, along with interactive learning sessions designed to inspire career exploration and workforce readiness.
Kaitlynn Snell, a recipient of the 2024 Workforce NOW Scholarship, shared an update via a heartfelt letter. Now a Psychology major at Christopher Newport University, Kaitlynn expressed how the scholarship helped relieve financial stress related to her medical needs—allowing her to thrive academically and serve in campus leadership roles. Her story was a powerful reminder of how these awards go beyond academics and truly change lives.
Meet the 2025 Workforce NOW Scholarship Recipients
Jackson Hunley
An academic standout and passionate leader, Jackson graduated second in his class and is heading to Cornell University to study public policy. From marching band president to Eagle Scout to state-level youth leader, Jackson has balanced excellence in and out of the classroom. He’s also served as Marketing Chair of our Student Voice Subcommittee, helping elevate the voices of his generation in regional workforce conversations.
Janiyah Hill
Janiyah shines as a cheer captain, student council leader, and community artist. At Chancellor High School, she’s painted murals, led spirit weeks, mentored younger students, and raised funds for charity—all while balancing a large family and academic success. This fall, she’ll head to Howard University to study Biology on the Pre-Med track with her sights set on becoming a Radiologist.
Gabriella Kang
Gabby is a quiet but powerful force for change. A fourth-degree black belt, DECA officer, Asian Heritage Club president, and co-director of a handbell ensemble, she has also chaired the Chamber’s Student Voice Subcommittee, advocating for student access and opportunity. This fall, she begins her next chapter at the University of Virginia, majoring in business and research to turn data into real-world impact.
Pranav Vedula
Though just entering his senior year of high school, Pranav has already made a mark in artificial intelligence. He’s interned with a tech startup, created a Python library downloaded over 8,000 times, and developed an AI model to detect brain tumors. He’s collaborated with NASA professionals, led international AI ethics teams, and plans to double major in computer science and business to use innovation for community impact. Pranav’s drive, humility, and vision make him a leader of tomorrow—already leading today.
These four remarkable students represent the mission of Workforce NOW: to build meaningful connections between education and employment, and to invest in the future of our regional workforce.
To our recipients—Jackson, Janiyah, Gabby, and Pranav—we are proud of your achievements, inspired by your dedication, and excited to see how your stories unfold. You are exactly the kind of talent our region needs—and we are honored to support your journey.
Congratulations to the 2025 Workforce NOW Scholarship Recipients!
A special THANK YOU to our Scholarship Donors- Al & Pattie Fagan, Matern Staffing, Michelle Caldwell Thompson, Oberle Academy, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Shore United Bank