Volunteers needed for Middle School Career Exploration and Simulation Activities at the New Regional Workforce and Childcare Hub

EO is hosting its first-ever Volunteer Information Session on September 13, from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the newly constructed Regional Workforce and Childcare Hub in Abingdon, Virginia.

During the information session, volunteers will tour Career Commons, learn more about volunteering, and meet the Career Commons and Volunteer Program staff.

Career Commons is a significant expansion of the Ignite Career Expo, a two-day event that was previously held at the Washington County Fairgrounds to connect local employers with students from schools across a 21-locality footprint. With a permanent, year-round facility, the program enables school districts to attend anytime during the school year and allows more one-on-one time with students. It also means that instead of 4,000 students converging on the facility for a two-day event, smaller groups of students will visit from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Career Commons Volunteers will serve as guides and activity facilitators for middle school students as they navigate and explore more than 20,000 square feet of job discovery exhibits and hands-on career simulation activities in Career Commons, the heart of the Hub. From simulating the changing of oil in an engine to driving a forklift simulator to being a dental hygienist, students will learn about local careers, regional employers, and the high-paying jobs available in Southwest Virginia.

“Volunteers play a critical role in helping middle schoolers become inspired about their future,” explained Crystal Breeding, Director of Education and Emerging Workforce. “We have had students visit the Careers Expo who have never experienced someone in their home prepare for work. One year we had a student attend in his suit because his grandparents wanted him to make a good impression. That is how transformative this event is to students and their families, and our volunteers get to be a part of it.”

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at Career Commons and are unable to attend the in-person information session, contact Katie Bolling, Volunteer Coordinator, at kbolling@EOco.org or visit eoco.org/our-work/the-hub/career-commons.