Invest in Your Community
Why Collaboration Matters
Collaboration between employers and K–12 schools is essential to preparing students for the future workforce. When businesses engage with schools, they offer students real-world experiences—like mentorship, internships, and career exposure—that help connect classroom learning to industry needs. This early involvement allows students to build confidence, learn valuable skills, and make informed choices about their future careers. Employers benefit too, by developing a pipeline of skilled, motivated future workers. Strong partnerships like these ensure students graduate with the tools to thrive in today’s changing job market.
To support this vision, FCEDA works closely with trusted nonprofit partners to coordinate programming that connects local employers with the next generation of talent.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
When businesses and community organizations join forces with FCPS, more than just connections are created—capacity is built. Together, partners can expand access to real-world learning, mentorship, career exposure, and essential resources that empower students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
This work goes beyond education. It’s about shaping a stronger, more equitable region where every young person—no matter their background—has a genuine opportunity to succeed.
What Employers Can Do:
From providing key, foundational resources such as donations, to hosting internships that prepare students for the workforce – there are a myriad of ways to partner with FCPS and make a difference in the lives and futures of students. Email FCPSpartnerships@fcps.edu to start a conversation.
Learn More | Company Interest Page
Think Big for Kids — Greater Washington Region
Think Big for Kids is a national nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by preparing middle and high school students to excel in today’s workforce through its Three Pillars Program: Career Exploration, Mentorship, and Job Readiness & Placement. Since its founding in 2016, the organization has served over 7,000 students nationwide, partnering with more than 100 companies to deliver programming across the U.S.
What Employers Can Do:
Participate in career showcases, mentor students, host interns, or welcome students for workplace field trips. Your company can inspire future talent while building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
Tiggbee, an FCPS Partner
Tiggbee is a free, video-based career exploration platform that helps students connect classroom learning to real-world careers. In partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Tiggbee engages students through short, interactive videos that highlight diverse career paths and build workplace readiness. Tiggbee empowers students to make informed decisions about their futures—no matter their background or location.
What Employers Can Do:
Partner with Tiggbee to create short career videos, host virtual events, lead interactive projects, and engage in follow-up Q&A sessions. Your story can spark a student’s passion and shape their future.
Genesys Works
Genesys Works provides high school seniors from underserved communities with professional skills training and 12-month, part-time internships at top companies—helping them build confidence, income, and a career path. In 2023, 177 students in the National Capital Region participated in Genesys Works, with 64% identifying as first-generation college-bound and 66% qualifying for free or reduced lunch.
What Employers Can Do:
Hire a trained high school senior for roles in IT support, data entry, project coordination, customer service, and administrative support. Students work part-time during the school year and summer, bringing fresh energy and value to your team.
Harraseeket Foundation
The Harraseeket Foundation is a nonprofit that helps high school students in Northern Virginia imagine their future. Harraseeket works with community organizations (schools, employers, faith communities, nonprofits, clubs) to support young people in Arlington, Herndon and McLean who particularly benefit from a nonjudgmental, trained adult in their lives. Their Imagining Your Future program combines mentoring with (1) a unique and powerful curriculum to help students learn about themselves, their goals and values, and their education, training and career choices; and (2) work experiences that open their eyes to possibilities they hadn’t considered.
What Employers Can Do:
What employers can do: Get involved in the Imagining Your Future program by becoming a mentor or volunteer, offering internships, hosting field trips and shadowing opportunities, or joining career panels and workshops. Your participation will change lives!