In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing collaboration with Go Virginia Region 3 to enhance educational pathways in advanced manufacturing and health sciences. The initiative aims to engage students from middle school through high school, ultimately guiding them toward careers in these vital sectors while encouraging them to remain in the local area.

The program begins in middle schools, where students are introduced to advanced manufacturing and health sciences through a career connections lab. This lab allows students to explore various fields, including hands-on experiences with tools like microscopes and stethoscopes. The goal is to spark interest in these careers early, with a structured curriculum that includes developing a career and academic plan using a program called Major Clarity.

As students progress to high school, they can enroll in specialized academies focused on health sciences and advanced manufacturing. These academies offer courses designed to prepare students for immediate employment or further education at community colleges and universities. Notably, the Career and Technical Center provides classes for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), although a shortage of qualified instructors remains a challenge.

The initiative is supported by the Claude Moore Foundation, which has provided educational materials to elementary schools to foster early awareness of health care careers. By integrating career education from K-12, the program aims to build a skilled workforce that meets local industry needs and retains talent within the region. The collaborative efforts of local educational institutions and government officials are seen as crucial in achieving these objectives.