| New School Year, New Opportunities to Connect |
A Look Into the Future of
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The experience offered a firsthand look at exciting enhancements to the park’s digital learning journey. Through immersive simulations, students receive a lifestyle profile that allows them to explore career pathways, practice making real-world financial decisions, and develop personal budgets based on hypothetical life circumstances. In my scenario, I had a career as a textile engineer with Goodwill Industries. Stepping into the shoes of a student participant helped me appreciate how these experiences build financial literacy, strengthen decision-making skills, and demonstrate how education and career choices can expand economic mobility and opportunity. It was exciting to see how Junior Achievement Finance Park connects classroom learning to the real world while preparing FCPS students for their financial futures. |
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Strengthening Energy Education within FCPS
Starwood Digital Ventures (SDV) and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project have launched an innovative energy education initiative to advance energy efficiency and conservation efforts across Fairfax County Public Schools.
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“SDV is pleased to serve as the principal sponsor of this program in 2026, providing FCPS employees with the training and resources necessary to earn their Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification.”
- Anthony Balestrieri, CEO, SDV
The initiative will strengthen the expertise of FCPS Energy Education Specialists and provide a pathway toward earning the industry-recognized CEM credential. Just as data centers must carefully manage energy use, school systems rely on trained professionals to promote safe, comfortable, and efficient learning environments.
This opportunity will help ensure FCPS energy professionals have the knowledge and credentials needed to meet that responsibility. FCPS is unique in having a dedicated team of energy education professionals who work directly in schools. They evaluate energy-efficiency technologies and support administrators, teachers, and students in advancing sustainability goals. As energy technologies continue to evolve, ongoing professional development is essential to maintaining the team’s expertise.
Launched on September 2, 2026, the three-month program meets the first Wednesday of each month and cover topics including HVAC and electricity, controls and ventilation, and energy mathematics and finance. In addition to providing a valuable workforce-development opportunity for FCPS staff, the initiative will equip Energy Education Specialists to introduce students to emerging careers in energy management and the data center industry.
SPOTLIGHT SERIES
Expanding FCPS Work-Based
Learning Opportunities
Work-Based Learning (WBL) connects classroom learning to students’ career goals and prepares them for education and employment beyond high school. Through FCPS, students participate in experiences that build career awareness, exploration, and preparation, including guest speakers, workplace tours, job shadows, career fairs, mentorships, internships, entrepreneurship, apprenticeships, and more.
High-quality WBL experiences are connected to students’ interests, integrated with Career and Technical Education coursework, and developed in partnership with local businesses and community organizations. These partnerships make learning more authentic, meaningful, and relevant while helping employers build relationships with the future workforce.
Business and community partners interested in supporting student career development are encouraged to learn more by visiting the FCPS Work-Based Learning webpage or contacting workbasedlearning@fcps.edu.
Stronger Businesses and
Stronger Communities with FCPS ACE
Collaboration with FCPS is an invaluable commitment to student education and the future of our community. Businesses and community organizations can also benefit from strengthening their operations, developing current employees, and building a pipeline of skilled, qualified talent through FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE).
FCPS ACE serves as a valuable workforce partner, helping businesses address workforce needs from within. Professional certifications, technology skills, language development, management training, and other specialized learning opportunities can help organizations improve performance, retain capable employees, and address skill gaps. Businesses that sponsor employee training and education may also be able to offer qualified educational assistance of up to $5,250 per employee each year tax-free.
Business and Community partners are welcomed to share their professional expertise by teaching for FCPS ACE. ACE instructors bring technical knowledge, industry insight, and practical experience that help ensure instruction reflects current workplace needs. Their involvement gives adult learners the opportunity to learn directly from professionals who understand the demands of their fields and can help prepare the next generation of workers. Learn more by visiting the FCPS ACE career website.
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Office of Community Relations email: akyoung@fcps.edu | FCPSpartnerships@fcps.edu |
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