County administrator details school design-team kickoff; ACE program draws 48 applications

Jenny, the county administrator, reported that the county’s design team held a virtual kickoff with high-school staff and students to discuss goals for school culture and programs, and that administrative staff traveled to Washington, D.C., to advance those collaborative efforts.

Jenny said students participated in the kickoff and were interviewed; she described the effort as a year-long process that will include follow-up meetings and a community vendor fair tied to student volunteer opportunities. "The students' ideas and what they want to see happen with this project is great," Jenny said.

On the ACE program, Jenny said the county attended an ACE luncheon at New River Valley Community College with coordinators from neighboring counties. She reported that the county has received 48 applications for eight ACE slots — a sizable increase from last year — and that some applications are expected to drop off as students complete financial-aid steps. "We have right now, I believe, 48 applications for 8 students," she said.

Staff have set an April date to meet with students to distribute forms and explain the program, and a community fair will let nonprofit organizations present volunteer opportunities for students to satisfy program requirements.

Ending: Jenny described the initiatives as in early stages and said the administration will continue outreach and planning over the coming months.