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Clark County students present work-based learning, CTE partnerships to school board
Summary
Students and staff described work-based learning expansion, internships and employer partnerships — including a post-secondary STEPS program, a career fair with 103 businesses and apprenticeships with Tri State Nissan — at the Clark County School Board meeting on April 22, 2025.
At the April 22, 2025 meeting of the Clark County School Board, staff and students described an expanded slate of career and technical education (CTE) and work-based learning opportunities that officials say give high school students hands-on workplace experience and postsecondary pathways.
The presentations, delivered by Mr. Coleman and by students enrolled in CTE classes, outlined existing internships, employer partnerships and plans to expand a post-secondary program for students ages 18–22.
Board members said the programs broaden options for students and strengthen ties with employers and higher-education partners. Mr. Coleman told the board the division started a STEPS post-secondary program this year that sends students to Shenandoah University two days a week and that the district hopes to expand the program to five days a week next year so students can attend a post-secondary track for ages 18–22.
Coleman also described district CTE activity this year: the "You Have Options" career fair hosted 103 businesses and about 40 colleges and drew more than 300 students; the district reported 18 students placed in internships, 56 who completed job shadowing and more than 300 students who participated in work-based learning presentations and tours. Coleman said the division will offer the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) in the 2026–27 school year through a community college partnership, allowing students to complete a year of community college without online classes.
Students gave onstage accounts of their experiences. Marley, a senior and participant in the district's physical-therapy mentorship with Berryville Physical Therapy, said she works there as a paid aide after early release and that the experience has accelerated her knowledge of medical terminology and clinical settings. Colton Vincent, a student in the welding and mechatronics program at Blue Ridge, said the curriculum includes electronics, fluid power and OSHA coursework and that he plans to continue his education in welding technology after graduation. Mia Wolf and Savannah, students in an Oddly Farm internship, described rotating between animal-care and business tasks and said the work informed college and career plans.
Coleman also noted other initiatives: an unmanned aircraft course with eight juniors and seniors scheduled to take the FAA Part 107 exam this week; a new automotive apprenticeship with Tri State Nissan in which one student, Hayden Fleetwood, leaves high school mid-day for paid training and has employer-paid schooling and a path to full-time employment; new or expanded classes such as firefighting and forensics; and online access to an air-traffic-control curriculum through a Pennsylvania college partnership.
Board members praised students and staff. One board member noted the division submitted materials for a Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) showcase and said VSBA contacted the division about recording a podcast on the district's Jumpstart/CTE work.
The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken on these program descriptions at the meeting. Board members and staff discussed continuing and expanding partnerships and recognized students for their presentations.
