Radford City Public Schools on Sept. 10 unveiled a 10-week Bridge to Excellence manufacturing immersion that will send students to local manufacturers and New River Community College as part of a regional cohort supported by a 2025 K–12 School Innovation Grant. Radford High will contribute nine students to the program; the larger cohort across participating districts totals about 20 students.

The program aims to expose high-school juniors and seniors to hands-on manufacturing, industry-recognized credentials and community-college coursework so students “can stay in the New River Valley and work,” said Miss Mosby, director of career and technical education and workforce development. The kickoff is scheduled at New River Community College; the schedule includes site immersions at local companies, multiple visits to NRCC for an SDB 101 (manufacturing soft skills) course and NC3 Snap-on certification training.

Program organizers said the grant helps pay for an NRCC instructor, gear, student PPE and meals; industry partners have agreed to host students and provide many lunches. Mosby said program partners include Pulaski County Public Schools, New River Community College and area employers across Pulaski, Radford and Floyd counties. She described the immersion as a field experience — not a field trip — that will include some small project work at host companies and community-college credit opportunities.

Kemper Marion, a Radford High senior and one of the students in the cohort, described pursuing an apprenticeship at Moog: “I was really interested in going into a machine shop at the early age … I emailed them dozens of times. I begged and everything. And they finally … gave me an interview.” Marion’s apprenticeship at Moog was cited in the presentation as an example of the pathway the program seeks to create for other students.

Organizers said the program includes supports such as a CTE resume template, transportation provided by the school division and a closing recognition ceremony. Miss Mosby said local vendors — 11 West and Royal King — will provide cohort polos and boots where required, noting the grant will pay for clothing, lunches and celebration costs. Pulaski County’s existing program and coordination with Ken Arnold from Pulaski were described as models used in shaping Radford’s approach.

Discussion at the Sept. 10 meeting made clear participation is contingent on students meeting academic and behavior expectations established by the schools; board members and administrators emphasized attendance, grades and conduct as conditions for continued participation. The board expressed support and invited community leaders, including the mayor and city manager, to the program kickoff.

Radford staff said they will share a schedule and invite board members and the public to attend some sessions. The program begins the coming Friday at New River Community College and runs through the fall semester.