RALEIGH, N.C. — Career Accelerator, WakeEd Partnership’s career pathways summer program developed in partnership with Wake County Public Schools, kicks off today – Tuesday, June 20 – and runs through Wednesday, June 28. Nearly 500 rising 10th – 12th graders will participate in this full-day program, offering real-world workplace experiences and connecting students with employers to explore career pathways and opportunities.
Career Accelerator started last summer and has expanded with new sites and features to reach even more students interested in this unique summer experience.
- Expanded from 6 high school host sites to 23 sites making the program more accessible including bus transportation provided to all students who request it
- New $150 stipend for all students who successfully participate in and complete key elements of the program
- Final Networking Event: industry and college event for Career Accelerator students to put their new networking skills into practice
Students across Wake County will convene each day at 23 high school sites and will travel to companies and organizations across the Triangle that are offering immersions in their workplaces. In addition to immersion experiences, students will receive coaching and instruction in other workforce development areas at the school sites, such as online portfolio and resume building, social media use and interviewing skills featuring guest speakers from across the Triangle.
On Wednesday, June 28th from 10 am to 1 pm, there will be a final Industry Networking Event at Enloe High School for all students who participated featuring businesses and local colleges and universities.
“Once again the business community really stepped up to provide these amazing workplace immersions for our students,” said Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership. “The future workforce is already here and graduating from Wake County Public Schools. Career Accelerator will allow students to see first-hand what kinds of jobs and careers are available and most importantly the path to get there.”
“We hope Career Accelerator is both a showcase for companies who are looking to build their workforce pipeline and for these amazing students who chose to spend part of their summer break learning about career opportunities in their own backyard,” added Poston.
The following companies and organizations are participating over the next two weeks:
- Bobbitt
- Brightly Software
- The Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics at North Carolina State University
- Clark Nexsen
- Delta Airlines
- Friday Institute
- Germano Architecture + Interiors
- Kasper Architects + Associates
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Parker Lord
- Red Hat
- SAS
- Schneider Electric
- UNC Health
- Wake County Public Schools
- Wake Tech Community College
- Whiting-Turner
- Williams Realty & Building Company
- Wolfspeed
MEDIA ADVISORY: Members of the media who wish to attend one of the workplace immersions please contact Keith Poston at WakeEd Partnership at 919-780-5205 or kposton@wakeed.org to coordinate access.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization composed of business and community leaders committed to improving public education. Since 1983, the Partnership has advocated for excellent educational opportunities for all students in the Wake County Public School System. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.