In a unique partnership for our region, Norfolk’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) are uniting to set mutual expectations geared towards raising the number of graduates prepared for careers with local employers, as well as enhancing workplace awareness and readiness among students of all ages.

Norfolk’s EDA believes a high performing public school system enhances the City’s reputation as a business address and as a home for talented citizens. It knows the business community must do its share by increasing the number of occasions where students can observe real-life connections between school and work. The EDA and NPS firmly believe that when the entire community works together to help all children succeed, Norfolk is a better place to live, learn, work and raise families.

On June 26, 2019 up to 200 invited persons from both the public and private sectors will convene at the Ted Constant Center in Norfolk.  Among them will be principals, assistant principals, central office administrators, guidance counselors and teachers along with business owners, managers and human resource professionals who are keenly aware of the hard and soft skills required in their workplaces. Attendees will hear about current programs linking the commercial and academic sectors and will be able to suggest others aimed at accomplishing the mission objective.