Richmond, VA – The Virginia Department of Education received notification that Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) was one of 10 winners in the inaugural Career Z Challenge, a national multi-phase prize competition designed to expand high school students’ access to work-based learning (WBL) experiences.
As part of the competition, the U.S. Department of Education sought creative solutions that prepare students to contribute to today’s workforce while propelling them into careers of the future. The competition began with more than 80 applicants, and 73 semi-finalists representing schools from 34 states were selected, including six from Virginia. During the 2023–2024 school year, semi-finalists participated in a community of practice and received technical assistance through workshops, working groups, and topical discussions. Based on the results, 10 finalists emerged as winners in Phase 3 of the Challenge during the 2024–2025 school year.
“Roanoke City Public Schools being named one of just 10 national winners in the Career Z Challenge is a powerful reflection of the innovation and momentum driving education in Virginia,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “This competition aligns seamlessly with the mission of our 3E Readiness initiative to ensure every student is equipped with the real-world experiences and skills to thrive in today’s workforce and lead in tomorrow’s economy. We’re equally proud that six additional Virginia school divisions were named semi-finalists, underscoring the Commonwealth’s collective commitment to excellence, opportunity, and future-ready learning for all students.”
Through a robust and expanding work-based learning (WBL) program, RCPS is equipping students across all grade levels with career-aligned opportunities—from early exposure in elementary and middle school to hands-on experiences and industry credentials in high school. The division has strengthened its WBL strategy by launching new course offerings, establishing a dedicated advisory committee, deepening partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and formalizing program structures to ensure long-term sustainability. As a result of meeting all submission and participation requirements, RCPS will receive a portion of the $1.5 million prize pool to further enhance and scale its WBL initiatives. Alongside nine other winning school divisions, RCPS was recognized for demonstrating exceptional innovation and capacity to deliver high-quality, student-centered career pathways that prepare learners to thrive in a dynamic, global workforce.
“Our goal is for every student to graduate with a diploma and a resume of rich skills and experiences that will benefit them for a lifetime,” said Roanoke City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Verletta White. “This recognition highlights the strong collaboration we have in our region with business, higher education, and community partners, all working together to prepare students for future success.”
Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, the 10 winners received comprehensive technical assistance, including personalized coaching, access to virtual collaboration tools, and participation in both in-person and online learning workshops. Their final submissions included robust documentation of sustained partnerships to support WBL ecosystems, student impact, and strategies for long-term viability.
“As a retired manufacturing executive, I remember the difficult task of finding students interested in career development early enough in their school training,” said Roanoke City Public Schools CTE Foundation President Dan Hughes. “This project has built that connection so that students have the tools to see what they want to do with their future, which directly benefits employers in our region.”
Much of the planning and execution of Roanoke City Public Schools’ submission was led by Coordinator of WBL, Jesse Truax, and Director of Career and Technical Education, Kathy Duncan, whose leadership ensured that the career and technical education course offerings and WBL strategies of the school division reflect both student needs and employer demand.
Morgan Romeo, Executive Director of the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board, emphasized how the recognition highlights the region’s shared commitment to expanding high-quality WBL opportunities in the Greater Roanoke area. “This well-deserved recognition will amplify our efforts to connect students with real-world experiences while strengthening the talent pipeline for our business community.”
By highlighting these innovative programs and partnerships, Virginia’s students gain access to high-quality work-based learning that can be scaled across the Commonwealth. To learn more about the Challenge, visit CareerZChallenge.com.
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