RALEIGH, NC – Career Accelerator, WakeEd Partnership’s annual summer career pathways program for Wake County Public Schools high-schoolers, launches Monday, June 23, and runs through Friday, June 27. The weeklong, full-day experience will serve 300 rising 10th–12th grade Wake County Public Schools students, connecting them with local employers for real-world workplace immersions and hands-on career exploration.
Originally launched in 2022 in partnership with the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), Career Accelerator has expanded each year—adding more high school sites, business partners, and program enhancements to reach more students across the district. In 2025, WakeEd Partnership assumed full leadership of the program.
- Serving 300 students across 9 high school “hub” sites, throughout the district
- Offering bus transportation to and from the high school hub sites
- Providing $150 stipend for all students who successfully complete key program elements
- Engaging students in business immersions across Wake County with 26 different business partners
On Tuesday and Thursday of the program (June 24 & 26) students will visit companies and organizations across Wake County that are offering career immersions in their workplaces. In addition to immersion experiences, students will receive coaching and instruction in other workforce development areas at the high school sites, such as online portfolio and resume building, social media use and interviewing skills featuring guest speakers from across the Triangle including HR and Recruiting professionals.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the companies and organizations opening their doors to these students,” said Keith Poston, President of WakeEd Partnership. “Career Accelerator gives students a front-row seat to the future of work in Wake County. These real-world experiences help them see not only what kinds of careers are out there—but how to get there.”
On Friday, June 27th there will be a Career and College Expo at Enloe High School for all students who participated featuring 65 businesses and local colleges and universities. Before the Expo, participants will hear from keynote speaker: Wake County District Court Judge Ashleigh Parker. Judge Parker will speak at 9:30 AM on Friday, June 27th at Enloe High School.
Judge Ashleigh Parker was raised in a family deeply rooted in law and public service, instilling in her a strong sense of duty and integrity from an early age. A graduate of law school with honors, she has dedicated her career to serving the people of North Carolina—as a District Court Judge, Assistant Attorney General, and Assistant District Attorney. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Parker is committed to legal education and mentorship, guiding aspiring lawyers and sharing her expertise to help shape the next generation of legal professionals. She firmly believes in the power of education and empowerment to create lasting, positive change in the justice system.
“Career Accelerator is a two-way opportunity: it’s a showcase for employers seeking talent and a launchpad for students exploring their future,” added Poston. “These students chose to spend a week of their summer preparing for life beyond high school, and that speaks volumes about their motivation and potential.”
The following companies and organizations hosting career immersions at their workplaces:
- Biogen
- Brasfield & Gorrie
- Cary Founded
- Cisco
- Coastal Credit Union
- Delta Dental
- Fred Smith Company
- FUJIFILM Biotechnologies
- Hitachi
- i-Pearl
- John Deere
- Kellanova
- Laut Design
- Lenovo
- Martin Marietta
- Merz North America
- NC State University Poole College of Management, Department of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- NC Department of Transportation
- NC Real Estate Commission + JLL (formerly Jones Lang LaSalle)
- Parker LORD
- Plexus
- Raleigh Founded
- SAS
- Southern Roots
- UNC Health
- Wake Technical Community College
- Whiting-Turner
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.
The College and Career Expo for the students is open to the media on Friday, June 27th featuring 65 businesses and local colleges and universities and runs from 9:30-Noon. The keynote address by Judge Parker is at 9:30 AM.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a leading independent nonprofit backed by business and community leaders to support the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Since 1983, WakeEd has been committed to improving public education and advocating for excellent educational opportunities for all students. For more information, please visit www.wakeed.org.