In this course you will learn how the Virginia Chapter of AFSA and Henrico County Public Schools have partnered together to create a tangible pathway for businesses to find their next employee. This partnership has allowed for the creation of the first high school program designed to prepare students to enter the profession with skills and certifications. Discover how AFSA's Virginia Chapter has gone from a career fair of about 25 students to now over 300 students in attendance. The value of “planting the seed” early will be highlighted along with the return on the investment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify next steps to engage with school systems to help recruit future employees.
• Identify and discuss opportunities with CTE administrators, teachers, parents, and students to create meaningful business partnerships that will provide understanding and connections, allowing students to better understand the industry and associated opportunities.
• Recognize the stakeholders in schools to work with to be able to provide a persuasive conversation, using proven examples, on how to start the relationship with students, schools, parents, and the industry and the role that the state associations can have.