Students, staff highlight new CTE Bridge to Excellence cohort and industry partnerships

At the Feb. 10 board meeting, CTE coordinator Miss Mosby summarized activities from the new Bridge to Excellence manufacturing cohort and broader CTE programming, including industry site visits, student certifications and donated safety equipment.

Miss Mosby described visits to nine or ten local industries over a 10‑week cohort that gave students hands‑on exposure to manufacturing, precision machining, warehousing and other work environments. She said the program provided steel‑toe shoes, high‑visibility vests, safety glasses and gloves through a grant and highlighted a newly developed Bridge to Excellence logo created by students.

Student participants described the visits as meaningful. Kemper said Moog felt especially welcoming and provided a clear view of how different departments function. In a written statement read aloud on his behalf, student Thomas Leftwich said the program “is a great program for people that wanna stay local and get a very good job” and noted opportunities for credentialing through NRCC and ACE programs.

CTE staff said plans include health‑care site visits with Radford University athletic training and nursing programs, expanded dual‑enrollment pathways, continued Perkins grant work and a comprehensive local needs assessment due later this year. Staff emphasized the program’s role in preparing students for local workforce opportunities and noted partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.