Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) held its second annual RCPS Works Student Job Fair, inviting over 80 local businesses from the Roanoke Valley to showcase employment opportunities to students.
The event aimed to assist young learners in securing potential jobs for the summer, or even long-term employment. RCPS Works is a program that connects hardworking students with employers in the Roanoke Valley.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Superintendent Verletta White hoped to create an environment in which students could learn and work while supporting local businesses. “We are one” is the motto that guided this initiative, with employers, staff, students, and parents coming together to create pathways and opportunities for students.
The fair offered a diverse range of job opportunities, with some employers even hiring students as young as 14 years old. Students were provided with tips on how to navigate the interview process, with the experience of looking for a job being regarded as valuable in itself.
According to White, the benefits of student employment extend beyond a paycheck, teaching young people valuable hard and soft skills such as work ethic, responsibility, and professionalism. “We really believe that if they’re connected to those things that are positive and productive…that keeps them safe,” she said.
This year’s fair also included transition resources for students with disabilities, ensuring that everyone had access to the same opportunities for growth and success.
