Think Big for Kids Launches Ignite Partnership

The not-for-profit Think Big for Kids, headquartered in Tampa Florida, has officially expanded to our region and their first area school district partner is Fairfax County Public Schools.

The partnership will begin in five FCPS middle schools with monthly workforce awareness showcases at each. The schools selected for the 2023-24 school year are Herndon, Holmes, Johnson, Key and Liberty middle schools, with hopes to expand in 2024-25 and beyond. 

Multiple area businesses have signed on as showcase presenters and include:

• Audi
• Bohler
• Clark Construction
• Dominion Energy
• BloomCatch
• Goodwin Living
• GOROVE SLADE
• Granicus
• ICF
• Microsoft
• MetLife
• Northern Virginia Community College
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• Trilogy Sound Studio
• Virginia Tire and Auto

Think Big’s mission is to help break cycles of poverty by preparing students to excel in today’s workforce. With guidance from Think Big for Kids and FCPS, partner companies will introduce students to different careers, identify general interests and begin to shape individualized career tracks. With a focus on educational preparedness — whether students are heading straight to work, attending trade school or navigating college admissions — Think Big for Kids knows that helping students learn about careers helps them discover the pathway to earn it.

The Ignite Partnership agreement was signed in August by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michelle Reid, and Think Big for Kids Executive Director Amy Alley. Supporting the effort is Founder and Chair of Think Big for Kids Tony DiBenedetto, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) Victor Hoskins, and Vice President for Talent at the FCEDA Michael Batt. FCEDA was instrumental in luring Think Big for Kids to the region and continues to lead the local steering committee.

Welcome Think Big for Kids and thank you to the FCEDA and each of the supporting businesses and not for profits.

If your business is interested in partnering with FCPS through the Think Big for Kids initiative, reach out to Layla Mailoudi, talent specialist, FCEDA at [email protected]. For information about Ignite Partnerships, contact Jay Garant, director of Business and Community Partnerships for Fairfax County Public Schools at [email protected].

Genesys Works Internship Signing Day

Quiet anticipation reigned at the 2023 Genesys Works Signing Day event in Washington, D.C., as rising high school seniors from all over the metropolitan Washington region earned an internship with a Genesys Works employer partner.

FCPS Ignite Partner Genesys Works mission is to provide pathways to career success for high school students through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships. This short Signing Day video highlights the day’s events while the student’s comments outline the summer training that helped the students earn their internship. 

Students from several schools in FCPS participate in the Genesys Works partnership which expands career pathways and opportunities for youth and fills critical talent gaps by providing training, support, and internships to trailblazing students who have big career aspirations, but may lack the access to the networks needed to help them.

According to Genesys Works National Capital Region Program Manager Will Kelland, “Ninety-four percent of the students that start their year-long internships finish them, which is a testament to how much our students both enjoy and find value in their internships.”

Noticeable at the Signing Day event was the size of the Class of 2024 which, according to Kelland, grew by 20% over the previous year.

Thirty-four high school seniors from eight high schools will spend part of their school day and after school time working at the businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Businesses Providing One or More Internship

• Accenture
• American Alliance of Museums
• ATCS
• Calibre Systems
• Genesys Works
• Intelsat
• Iridium
• Kratos Defense
• Leadership Fairfax
• Merkle
• Miller's Supplies at Work
• Paytech Trust
• Strayer
• ST Engineering iDirect 
• SureScripts
• Transurban

Participating Schools

• Bryant High School - 2 Students
• Falls Church High School - 5 Students
• Herndon High School - 4 Students
• Justice High School - 4 Students
• Lewis High School -  6 Students
• Marshall High School - 7 Students
• Mount Vernon High School - 2 Students
• West Springfield High School - 2 Students
• West Potomac High School - 2 Students

Businesses looking to engage FCPS and Genesys Works' trained students in meaningful internships should contact Paola Becerra, corporate partnership manager at [email protected].

Navy Federal Credit Union’s Ignite Partnership

The paper files in Fairfax County Public Schools partnership office say that the partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is our district’s first formal business partnership. At 34 years strong, the partnership is as active as ever including — mentoring, needs-based donations, workforce development, arts, and an active pen pal program.

The partnership — then — and today supports Thoreau Middle School, adjacent to the credit union’s headquarters. The new agreement however, was crafted for potential expansion to Thoreau’s feeder elementary schools and the high schools Thoreau students attend.Navy Federal Credit Union’s mission — rooted in service, integrity and community — is to champion and care for those who need it most. Through Navy Federal Serves, more than 6,500 team members used their paid volunteer leave to give back in their communities; including the FCPS community.

Like many partners, NFCU sees value in becoming an Ignite Partner, and we look forward to expanding promotion of their exceptional support of students and teachers.

Good Schools Are Good for Learning

Business leaders know that good schools are good for business. Hear from teachers why our schools are good for teaching and learning. 

A School Bond Referendum is on November’s ballot.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Early Voting Begins September 22.

Voter registration ends October 16. 

Learn how to register to vote.  

Remember, the building and renovation of schools are not financed through the school system’s operating funds, but through bonds. 

Before you vote, take a moment to read about where Fairfax County Public Schools plans to fund projects with 2023 bond proceeds. 

Vote on Tuesday, November 7.

September 11 National Day of Service

With the upcoming 22nd anniversary of the attacks of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks. 

Service learning makes connections between the classroom and the community and provides structured time for students to reflect on their service experiences. Currently several not-for-profits, governmental entities and Volunteer Fairfax offer opportunities for students to learn while serving. Additional local not-for-profits are encouraged to learn more and register to provide such opportunities.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account to access x2VOL.

Businesses Role in Student Attendance

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and business people play an important role in modeling the importance of school attendance. 

If you’re a local business person employing an FCPS student - thank you. Thank you too for understanding the importance of school, and that the Commonwealth of Virginia has work hour parameters for teens and employment.  

During the school year, Teenagers 16 and 17 years of age have no restrictions on the number of hours worked. They must, however, comply with the compulsory school attendance law and curfew ordinances that may apply and these will influence times they can lawfully work.

For teenagers 14 or 15 years of age, work hours depend on school schedule, day of the week, and occupation.

• 3 hours per day on a school day
• 18 hours a week for a school week
• 8 hours per day on a non-school day
• 40 hours a week in a non-school week

According to the nonprofit Attendance Works, business leaders should pay attention because:

• Absenteeism contributes to high school dropout rates, leaving students without the academic credentials and skills needed to compete in a 21st century workforce.
• Regular attendance is the precursor to the “soft skills” that you will continue to expect and require. 
• Students who don’t develop the habits associated with good attendance in the early years will find it difficult to develop them as adults.

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time.

According to a recent study of elementary and middle schools, there is a 5.8% difference between April and June attendance rates. Let's work together to support a bright and strong start to the academic year. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

We’re Open for New Business and Community Partners  

Businesses and community groups are encouraged to learn more about our Ignite Partnerships program, which offers eight ways for partners to engage with FCPS.

More important than the tangible benefits of being an Ignite Partner are the intrinsic ones — the value of giving back to the community. That said, our Ignite Partnership Value Proposition offers meaningful incentives for businesses and community groups who satisfy the Ignite Partnership agreement requirement. 

Learn more about the Partnership Agreement Process and explore our list of partners.