The Hub will also house Career Commons, a unique, hands-on career simulation center for students K-12.
Career Commons is a 25,000(+/-) sq. feet career simulation center that aligns with the workforce development curriculum of K-12 schools across our region. Career Commons provides middle school students the opportunity to connect to the 17 career clusters recognized by the Virginia Department of Education as part of career development and planning. We will feature sponsors from each cluster on a first-come, first-served basis with first right of refusal at the end of three years. This is the first facility in our region of its kind and is likely to become a hallmark of successful rural workforce development.
Career Exploration Field Day
Built as a town square, 20 businesses with semi-custom storefronts and career simulation spaces frame a large, open expo space. Businesses can sponsor and brand these shops, then engage youth with hands-on career activities during field trips.
Sponsorships Available
A sponsorship through Career Commons provides an exceptional talent pipeline strategy. In addition to connecting with the workforce of the future, sponsors also receive volunteer opportunities, event space, and brand engagement. Spaces are limited to one company per career cluster to align with the K-12 curriculum.
- Create experiential brand engagement with Generation Z and Alpha.
- Engage the next generation of Southwest Virginia’s workforce.
- Reach a wide audience of potential customers, including students, parents, and teachers.
- Invest in the communities where employees live, work, and raise families.
- Make a large, tax-deductible donation to support workforce readiness and youth education.
Be a part of something big.
To learn more about this project, including how to make a gift or secure a sponsorship, please contact Cristie Lester at clester@unitedwayswva.org or Beth McConkey at bmcconkey@unitedwayswva.org (276-525-4102).
