Partnership Update - March 2022
Workforce Development Partnerships Offer Measurable Returns on Your Investment
There are several measurable ways to determine the effectiveness of an Ignite Partnership including employment – training that leads to hiring.
Our structured workforce development partnerships focus on the tenets of Work-Based Learning, career awareness, exploration, and preparation, and are an effective way to introduce students to the skills you need as an employer. Some of the many structured opportunities in our program include serving as a guest speaker, being a job shadowing facilitator, or supporting a registered apprenticeship. Join us to develop your future employees.
Teen Job Fairs Help Students Make the Most of Opportunities
Fairfax County high school students looking for their first part-time job, summer and seasonal job opportunities, or who want more information about potential career pathways, are invited to attend one of two upcoming teen job fairs and resume building workshops. Local businesses and agencies will be on hand to offer a range of opportunities including part-time employment, internships, and volunteer work for prospective students.
Volunteer opportunities and resume building workshops will also be available for younger students. The job fairs will be held on Saturday, March 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. at West Springfield High School, and Saturday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Chantilly High School.
Students can register for free here.
Businesses applying to participate can register for free here.
Our Newest Ignite Partner Is Undaunted Futures
We are excited to announce our new partnership with Undaunted Futures. They will be partnering with FCPS’ College Success Program (CSP) and MentorWorks.
College Success Programs equips students with the tools necessary for success in higher education. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), the Early Identification Program (EIP), and the College Partnership Program (CPP) prepare students for the academic rigor of college coursework, help students with the college application process, and provide enrichment experiences to build the resilience that is so often needed for postsecondary success.
Through the Undaunted Futures partnership, volunteers will support students in these programs by fostering racial and economic equity through a five phase program that includes: Onboarding, Mentoring, a Project Capstone, Charting the Path Forward, and their Undaunted Alumni Network. Many, but not all College Success Program students will be the first in their families to attend college - students of color, immigrants, English learners, students with disabilities, and others.
Successful Career Expo Event Helps Students Engage Business Leaders
Thank you to business leaders like Google’s Kimberly Lane, who volunteered their time to support the career development of students during our recent Instruction 2 Industry Career Expo.
At the Expo, high school students learned about post-secondary options including career paths from people already in the workforce. Varna, a student from Chantilly High School, said, “I sat in on Career Planning Support where the speaker emphasized the importance of a solid resume and representation of one’s personal skill set. Highlighting characteristics like creativity, critical-thinking, and communication all makes an interested candidate marketable.”
Orchestrated by the FCPS Work-Based Learning team, the event drew more than 1,600 students across six neighboring school divisions. Over 100 businesses and organizations participated in industry specific discussions, tailored information sessions, and career planning workshops designed to help students be more college and career ready.
Take the Northern Virginia Community Health Needs Assessment
Every three years, our partners at Inova conduct an important, anonymous four-minute survey to help make our community healthier and inform local health services by learning about what is important to people in Northern Virginia.
The survey is available in nine languages and closes March 31. For more information, please visit the Community Health Needs Assessment or contact them at [email protected] or call 703-698-2575.
Fiscal Year 2023 Advertised Budget Adopted by the School Board
Focused on student achievement and recognition of world-class educators and operational staff, the Fairfax County School Board has adopted the FY 2023 (2022-23 school year) Advertised Budget.
86% of the $3.3 billion budget goes directly to instruction representing investments that ensure all students receive the rigorous instruction and comprehensive support needed to thrive.
Donate Your Vehicle, Support Students, and Get a Tax Deduction
FCPS’ 13 Automotive Technology programs provide students the opportunity to learn and explore the automotive repair and dealership industry. FCPS, together with The Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE), operates an actual dealership, Student Auto Sales, where students gain real-world experience and vehicles are sold.
We accept cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and almost anything that helps train students. All donations are tax deductible. To donate a vehicle and help train the next generation of technicians, start at our online donations portal.
Our Partners 
Please help us maintain a more accurate list. Email us if your partnership status has changed.
Over the years, we’ve worked at maintaining the FCPS “Our Partners” list. Except when adding our new partners to the list, maintenance the last two years has been more challenging. At the link provided, you may search for partners by school or partner name.
Another good excuse to email us is if you’re an Ignite Partner, and you haven’t displayed the digital badge on your website because you’ve misplaced it. Let us know, and We’ll send you another one.
We’re Open for Business and Community Partners
Businesses and community groups are encouraged to learn more about Business and Community Partnerships including our Ignite Partnerships program which offers eight ways for businesses and community partners to engage with FCPS.
One way is through Educate Fairfax, the 501(c)3 arm of the school system. Educate Fairfax strives to ensure that every FCPS student has a path to success. Visit their Impact page to learn how our donors make a difference in the lives of our students.