DARS Quick List: See below for Flyers and feel free to call 

Sherry Hildebrandt ( 757-871-0012) or 

Ayesha Cole (ayesha.cole@dars.virginia.gov) for details and registration.

Through our academy model, we have so many inclusive opportunities available for ALL students. In addition, for students who will benefit from additional opportunities that complement the academy experience to ensure transfer of learning, the additional opportunities are available. 

Summer 2025:

• BLAST (Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology)

• C-Tech2 – Computers and Technology at V

• CyberGirls@Virginia Tech 

• Black Engineering Excellence at VT (BEE VT) 

• Imagination for rising students in grades 7-8 

• Pathways for Future Engineers

• Pre-Employment Summer Camp/ Blooms

• Drone Intro Camp/ Advanced Drone Camp- Old Dominion University June 12-13

• Peers Social Skills Camp- JUly 14-18 Breakfast and Lunch INcluded at the DARS Office

• Gear Up for College- 1-2 Day camps

• DMV Virtual class starts July 9th and will run through December-Reviews the manual, start to finish.

• Work Experience Supportive Employment Services- Adult Caseload ONly

• https://www.millers-va.com/summer-skilled-trades-bootcamp/ Jumpstart Your Future with a One-Week Paid Skilled Trades Externship---Are you a rising high school senior interested in the skilled trades? Miller’s Services invites local Virginia public, private, or homeschooled students to apply for our Skilled Trades Bootcamp, a one-week paid externship designed to give you real-world experience in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and more.   📅 Program Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025

• The National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) is seeking a few highly motivated high school students from the Hampton Roads region to join our team of STEM Student Ambassadors. Please share this flyer with HCS students (at least 16 years of age) who you feel would be a valuable addition to the STEM Student Ambassador Program. The article linked here gives an overview of last year’s training program. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 27th. The application link is included in the flyer.

    This work BEGINS with a one-week training session (July 21 – 24; 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) at NIA (1100        

    Exploration Way, Hampton, VA). The student ambassadors will also be invited to join our team to support 

    NIA’s educational outreach efforts during the 2025-2026 academic year.     

    The total commitment for the year is 40 hours, accompanied by a $600 stipend.

Ongoing as requested:

• Work Experiences- paid and unpaid

• Work-Based Learning Experience- explore employment and educational opportunities

• Travel Training

• SMART Transitions Class

  1. Life-Work Portfolio Course

  2. Life-Journey Portfolio Course

  3. Parenting Adolescents Presentation

  4. Rock Your Brand Presentation

  5. Smart Transitions Guides

• Wilson Workforce Assessments and Vocational Courses- Applications Due March 1

• Future of Work: Welding Program

• Versability: Forklift Certification

• FoodBank Culinary Program

• Riverside Camps for Allied Health Services

• PEERS- Virtual and In-Class Social Skills Course

• PEERS- Virtual and In-Class Financial Fitness Course

• Customized STEM Class Camps- 10-hour instructional: Requires a minimum of 10 students

• Project SEARCH: Ft Eustis and Sentara- Application Due March 1

• Start on Success Course (BHS ONLY)

• PAES Lab

• CTE- Conover Lab

• Transition Planning Counseling

• Supports for Specially Designed Instruction and Experiences Supporting Transition.

 SUBJECT: Announcing Engineering and Cybersecurity Summer Career Interest Experiences For Students in Grades 7-12 

The Virginia Tech College of Engineering is offering opportunities in the Summer of 2025 to promote engineering and cybersecurity experiences for all Virginia middle- and high-school students. Specific requirements, including program locations, application due dates, and session dates, have been provided below. 

These programs include: 

• BLAST (Building Leaders for Advancing Science and Technology) for risingvsgc.odu.edu/blast/  students in grades 9-10 who have a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) but have not yet had the opportunity to explore it. 

• C-Tech2 – Computers and Technology at VT prepares rising students in grades 11-12 who with the information and technology necessary for the future. 

• CyberGirls@Virginia Tech for rising students in grades 8-9 to investigate the multiple facets of cybersecurity and possible careers. 

• Black Engineering Excellence at VT (BEE VT) for rising students in grades 11-12 to explore the many facets of engineering. 

• Imagination for rising students in grades 7-8 to explore the engineering design process as you build your own devices and participate in hands on activities. 

• Pathways for Future Engineers for rising students in grades 8-9 who are potential first generation college students on the pathway from high school to an engineering degree. 

For information regarding Technology and Engineering Education programs, please contact the Office of Career and Technical Education, by email at CTE@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 750-8129. For information related to Virginia Tech College of Engineering please contact by email at CEED@vt.edu or by telephone at (540) 231-7411. 

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is recruiting for the 2025 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Training Program!  Students (10th-12th) can apply online for YLA HERE.   Develop your leadership skills. Have fun as you learn about personal growth, career possibilities and how to use your voice. YLA will take place July 14 to 17, 2025, at Virginia State University. A YLA flyer with additional details is attached.