Help Prepare Roanoke City Public Schools Students for Future Careers

Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) is seeking business and industry partners to help students explore career opportunities, develop workplace skills, and prepare for their futures. VTCA members can support this effort through work-based learning, career events, mentoring, classroom engagement, and other partnership opportunities.

Work-Based Learning Experiences
RCPS is looking for employers that can provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, including:

• Apprenticeships
• Internships
• Job-shadowing opportunities
• Other workplace learning experiences

RCPS staff can meet with interested organizations in person, by phone, or through Microsoft Teams to answer questions and identify opportunities that benefit both students and employers.

Additional Ways to Get Involved

RCPS Works
Save the date for the sixth annual RCPS Works event on April 15, 2027. This event offers businesses an opportunity to introduce students to their organizations, industries, and available career paths. The location and additional details will be announced later.

Mock Interviews
Industry professionals are needed to help students strengthen their interviewing and communication skills. Additional information about this year’s updated format will be shared as the events approach.

CTE Guest Speakers
Professionals can visit an RCPS Career and Technical Education center to discuss their careers, industries, and experiences with students.

School-Based Enterprise Mentors
RCPS is seeking mentors who can meet with students three or four times during the school year to provide guidance and practical business insight.

Forest Park Academy Job Fairs
Businesses are invited to participate in brief, informal job fairs held during the school’s lunch period from approximately 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. RCPS plans to host one event each month with up to three participating businesses. These events provide an opportunity to connect with students who may be actively seeking employment, including students who are 18 or older.

Career Quest
The Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board is seeking business partners for Career Quest, scheduled for October 6–7 at the Berglund Center. This interactive event introduces seventh-grade students from across the Roanoke Valley to career paths available in the region.

Work-Based Learning Advisory Committee
Businesses may also participate in the RCPS Work-Based Learning Advisory Committee. Meetings are scheduled for October 22, January 14, and April 8 and are hosted by different area businesses and organizations. Hosts can introduce their organizations to approximately 20–25 local business professionals while helping RCPS strengthen its career-readiness programs.

Share Employment Opportunities
VTCA members with current job openings may submit an electronic flyer for RCPS to share with students. Flyers should include the following disclaimer:

“These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Roanoke City School Board.”

Businesses are also encouraged to share recommendations for how RCPS can better prepare students to enter the workforce.

Complete the brief partnership form to indicate how your organization would like to help prepare Roanoke City Public Schools students for their future careers.