Laurel Ridge’s Pioneering Summer Academy: Empowering youth through hands-on career exploration

Laurel Ridge Community College’s Workforce Solutions has successfully concluded its inaugural Summer Academy for Career Exploration. This unique initiative, held on the Middletown Campus from June 5-9, welcomed ten local high school students aged between 15 and 18, all of whom had a disability.

The academy, a synergistic collaboration between the college, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and NW Works, Inc., provided these teens with enriching, hands-on learning experiences across diverse domains.

“The emphasis was on making accessible avenues for these teens to navigate career paths that lead to greater remuneration and opportunities for progression,” expressed Debera Taylor, Director of Corporate Training and Development for Workforce Solutions. She further emphasized that each day was structured to consolidate learning, beginning with an overview of the previous day’s lessons and ending with a recap.

The curriculum leaned on the National Center for Construction Education and Research Core Training Program, imparting critical skills like safety practices, welding, handling of small tools, ladder safety, and fire extinguisher safety. The students were also given the opportunity to test their skills on heavy equipment operator simulators.

In addition to the hands-on training, the academy organized a comprehensive tour of Laurel Ridge and Mercury Paper’s extensive manufacturing facility in Strasburg, spanning 600,000 square feet.

The Summer Academy for Career Exploration culminated in a memorable moment for each student, who received a certificate and a commemorative photo from one of their activities. The parents were provided with insights about the training possibilities and available funding sources at Laurel Ridge.

The success of the inaugural Summer Academy for Career Exploration reflects a bold step forward in providing equitable opportunities for young individuals with disabilities. This innovative initiative not only nurtures their skill set but also fuels their aspirations toward promising career pathways.