MANASSAS, Va. – Manassas City Public Schools has earned first-place honors in the 2026 Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards, recognizing the division's innovative Career and Conversations initiative for preparing students with the skills, experiences, and professional connections needed for success after graduation.
The division received the top award in the category for school divisions serving 5,001–10,000 students. Members of the School Board of the City of Manassas accepted the award on behalf of the division during the VSBA Conference on Education in Virginia Beach on July 16.
Career and Conversations connects students with local employers and industry professionals through meaningful career exploration, workplace readiness experiences, and ongoing business partnerships. What begins with Career and Conversations Day evolves into a year-round workforce readiness pipeline that includes internships, work-based learning opportunities, resume workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, guest speakers, job shadowing experiences, and Signing Day celebrations recognizing students entering the workforce, apprenticeships, military service, and postsecondary education.
Developed through collaboration with former Delegate Michelle Maldonado, local businesses, and community partners, the initiative has expanded significantly since its inception. Participation in Career and Conversations Day has grown from approximately 675 students to more than 900 annually, while more than 150 business and community partners now collaborate with the division throughout the year to provide authentic workforce experiences for students.
"Preparing students for success after graduation means giving them meaningful opportunities to explore careers, build professional skills, and connect learning to life beyond the classroom," said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Newman. "This statewide recognition affirms the outstanding work taking place across our Career and Technical Education programs."
The program's impact extends beyond a single event. During the 2024–2025 school year, 519 seniors participated in one or more workforce readiness experiences before graduation, and 84 percent reported feeling prepared for life after high school. Students also gain valuable skills in communication, professionalism, networking, interviewing, teamwork, and career planning while connecting directly with employers across a wide range of industries.
"Our incredible Manassas City business partners give students the real-world, hands-on experiences they need to identify their career goals and build a clear path into the workforce," said Christine Taylor, Director of Career and Technical Education. "Working together for our students creates lasting benefits; not only for the young people we serve, but for the entire Manassas community."
Established in 2018, the VSBA Excellence in Workforce Readiness Awards recognize innovative programs that strengthen collaboration between public schools and the business community while preparing Virginia students for success in college, careers, and the workforce.