For Immediate Release:
September 11, 2023
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
Ever thought working at NASA would be cool? Maybe you think NASA only hires astronauts and engineers. Join us as we welcome NASA personnel to the Carl and Emily Thompson Conference Center in the Community Development Center on our Middletown Campus – and virtually to our Fauquier Campus – to learn more on Wednesday, Sept. 20.
Karen Miller is a human resources specialist who serves as an apprentice program manager and pathways internship program coordinator.
“We take all fields, all disciplines,” she said.
That includes students studying accounting, art, automotive, computer and IT, engineering, human resources, marketing, finance, general education, robotics, technology, physical sciences and more. Opportunities that will be showcased include OSTEM and Pathways internships, pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and volunteer programs.
“We’re coming to share not just a job,” said Miller. “We’re talking about a career. What does a career from the community college system look like with NASA?”
The presentation is open to the community at large, in addition to students. Attendees will learn about opportunities available right now while enrolled in community college, after graduation, after earning a four-year degree, and several years post-graduation, said Miller.
“We have so many opportunities that your students can apply for today,” she said. “Out of 11 apprentices, 10 graduated from Virginia community colleges. Three out of four intern technicians are currently attending a community college in Virginia.
The first presentation begins at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, and is for Mountain Vista Governor’s School students. Then, there will be a session starting at 10 a.m. for other high school students, followed by a session at 12:30 p.m. for Laurel Ridge students and members of the greater community. The sessions will be distanced to our Fauquier Campus and available via Zoom.
Students will also be given an overview of the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, and there will be a question-and-answer session, according to Miller. Additionally, a representative from the Virginia Space Grant Consortium will share more opportunities, she said.
RSVP and learn more at laurelridge.edu/NASA.
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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
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