Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) hosted the 2024 Workforce Summit on Friday, October 18, where thought leaders, industry experts, educators, nonprofits and community members came together to collaborate on how to shape the next generation of workforce talent in Loudoun County. The event brought together more than 250 community, business, and LCPS team members to discuss the future of work and how to best partner in support of LCPS students.
“As educators, we know that the world is changing rapidly, and our students need to be prepared not only for the challenges of tomorrow but also for the opportunities that await them,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS Superintendent. “It’s no longer enough for schools to be a place where students learn reading, writing and arithmetic. We must be a bridge that connects classroom learning to the real world.”
Some questions that guided the discussions were:
What does LCPS need from employers to support workforce development?
What do employers want from LCPS to support workforce development?
How can employers commit and what barriers can LCPS break down?
What programs (CTE/Special) should LCPS invest in moving forward?
Numerous breakout discussions were available for attendees to participate in. These conversations were centered around all workforce opportunities with a priority on some key sectors, including health innovation and technology, cybersecurity, aerospace and small businesses.