Education in Winston-Salem: Aspiring to Excellence

Greater Winston-Salem’s successful workforce development is driven not only by quality schools and higher education institutions, but also by innovative programs that nurture students’ passions and help guide them toward productive careers. 

The region’s business community, including the Greater Winston-Salem Inc. economic development organization, plays a major role in keeping a pipeline of talent flowing to growing industries.

For example, the organization partnered with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to launch ASPIRE WS, a work-ready credential and paid internship program for high school juniors and seniors. Students learn valuable employable skills, such as networking, resume creation, successful interviewing techniques and maintaining a personal brand. 

Education in Winston-Salem: Getting Ready for Work 

“I applied to the program because it offered an accessible foundation for professional development with the potential to impact my career trajectory significantly. I was particularly impressed by the program’s comprehensive support, including transportation to workshops and internships and a $500 stipend for successful completion,” says Jeremiah Washington, who completed the ASPIRE WS program in the summers of 2022 and 2023. 

Washington interned at Goodwill Industries in the retail management program and then as a financial and well-being intern at Allegacy Federal Credit Union. He says both experiences helped him understand the importance of networking and leveraging resources for professional development. 

“ASPIRE equipped me with valuable strategies for career exploration. I had the chance to explore various roles and departments, participate in events on college campuses and expand my professional network, which broadened my career perspectives,” he says. “I’ve utilized the resume and communication skills from the program to secure work-study positions and internships at my college. The interviewing techniques I acquired have enhanced my professional network and increased my confidence and intentionality in my career pursuits.” 

Senior Academy: Focused on the Future 

Greater Winston-Salem Inc. and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools also understand that before students can fulfill their career goals, they must first meet their high school graduation goals. That’s why they developed Senior Academy, a program that provides one-on-one mentors for high school seniors, like Anthony Hill, who need extra support to meet graduation and career goals. 

“I decided to participate because I saw a familiar face from middle school. One of the mentors used to be my middle school teacher,” Hill says. “My mentor was Ms. Kim. I learned a lot from her. I learned to stay focused and stay on top of things, especially my grades. She made sure I was focused.” 

Hill graduated in 2024 and enrolled in Forsyth Technical Community College. This is an achievement he wasn’t sure was possible before Senior Academy. 

World of Work — Blum Construction

World of Work: Making Smart Starts 

Another innovative program helping pave career pathways for students is World of Work, a two-day event during which eighth and 10th grade students are introduced to careers across a variety of industries. 

The hands-on experience allows students to meet with business leaders, try out equipment and learn about career possibilities. 

“The industry has evolved into a highly technical industry, and World of Work is an opportunity to showcase that and change the perceptions that students have about the industry,” says Blum Construction President and CEO Mike Lancaster. 

The construction company was a presenting sponsor of the 2023 program. Lancaster says programs, such as World of Work, expose kids at an earlier age to all the career possibilities that exist in the construction industry, which can ultimately produce a more diverse and better talent pipeline. 

“The construction industry has not been as attractive as it should be to many minority groups and to females. In addition, many high school students don’t consider the high-paying jobs that are available within the industry right after graduation or the opportunities that exist if they pursue a construction/ engineering focus with their post-high school graduation studies,” he says.

“For us, it is a long-term play into workforce development. We hope more students will consider the opportunities, and this will not only benefit our company but our trade partners in the future.” 

Forsyth Works: Helping Career Seekers and Employers

ForsythWorksNC.com launched in March 2024 to provide job seekers and area employers with a one-stop source for workforce information. Behind this initiative are Forsyth County, Forsyth Technical Community College, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County Schools and Greater Winston-Salem Inc. 

“The initiative is to provide programs for people who are ready to return to work or want to advance their job skills,” says Mark Owens, Greater Winston- Salem Inc. president and CEO. “And for employers, it’s to help companies train and hire diverse individuals.” 

Owens says the initiative is targeting six industry sectors that continue to provide strong careers in the Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County region. Those sectors are advanced manufacturing, aviation/ aerospace, business services, construction, health care and life sciences, and technology and entrepreneurship. 

“Forsyth Works offers learning and training sessions monthly for job seekers and employers,” he says. “People who have gone through our programs are starting to get job opportunities and placements.” 

To get the word out, a full marketing plan is in place, with the Forsyth Works program advertised on buses, digital ads, print ads and digital billboards in English and Spanish. 

– Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.