Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) recently hosted an appreciation event to thank the businesses and organizations that participated in this year’s Job for a Day (JFD) program. The February 11, 2025 event celebrated the invaluable support of community partners who welcomed more than 600 high school juniors and seniors to experience a Job for a Day on November 11, 2024, providing students with hands-on, real-world career exploration experiences.
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
More than 50 business partners attended the inaugural Thank You Event, where they were recognized for their outstanding participation in JFD. Partners received acknowledgments for hosting up to five, 10, or more than 10 students, fulfilling JFD’s mission to bridge classroom learning with practical career exploration.
Students gain valuable insights that support informed career choices and connect academic lessons to real-world applications through:
Building Career Awareness: Shadowing professionals to understand job requirements, workplace expectations and essential skills in specific fields.
Exploring Fields of Interest: Discovering careers aligned with their strengths and preferences, guiding targeted educational and career decisions.
Enhancing Community and Business Connections: Fostering relationships with local industries and professionals, potentially leading to future internships or employment.
Strengthening Decision-Making Skills: Encouraging critical thinking and adaptability through hands-on experiences.
JFD is a key initiative of the School Business Partnership Executive Council, which leads the program’s long-range planning and provides general oversight. This collaboration, supported by LCPS staff, including the Division of Career, Technical and Adult Education, introduces students to postsecondary pathways through relevant career skills experiences. JFD helps open doors to future internships or employment opportunities by fostering connections with local industries and professionals. This early career exposure plays a significant role in student development.
Research supports the positive impact of these experiences. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students who engage in career-focused activities and internships develop critical thinking, adaptability and decision-making skills highly valued across industries. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that students with early workplace experiences often perform better academically and are more likely to pursue postsecondary education.
Business partners support student growth, investing in the future workforce of Loudoun County and beyond. The appreciation event served as a small token of appreciation for the lasting impact these partnerships will have in the years to come.
Join Us for Job for a Day 2025
The School Business Partnership Executive Council and the Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education invite businesses to participate in this impactful initiative. Mark your calendars for November 19, 2025, and help shape the future workforce by participating in the next Job for a Day. Together, we can inspire, educate, and prepare the next generation of professionals in Loudoun County. Interested businesses can learn more and sign up www.lcps.org.