Q: What is the ASPIRE WS Program?
A: Thanks to a generous $1.2 million dollar grant from Truist, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. is collaborating with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System and local host companies to create equitable career readiness opportunities for high school juniors and seniors with the goal of interrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
ASPIRE begins with a Career Readiness program during the Fall or Spring terms. Students that successfully complete the program are eligible to interview for Summer internships.
Q: What schools participate in the ASPIRE WS Internship Program?
A: Currently, ASPIRE WS operates in the following schools: Carver, Kennedy, North Forsyth, Parkland, and W-S Prep.
Q: Are NAF, CTE, and other career academy students eligible for ASPIRE WS?
A: Yes, students who are already enrolled in a career pathway program are eligible to apply. However, priority will be given to students who are not enrolled in a career pathway program.
Q: Who is responsible for the program at my school?
A: Each principal will assign a Site Coordinator at their school. The Site Coordinator will work with GWSI to coordinate recruitment events, employability workshops, and provide other general correspondence to ensure successful operation of ASPIRE WS at their high school. Students receiving curriculum credit for an ASPIRE WS Internship will also require supervision from the appropriate school program representative.
Q: Who is my contact at GWSI for any questions regarding the ASPIRE WS Program?
A: Reach out to Alesia Hilton, Director of Career Readiness, with Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.
Email Alesia | Phone: 336-728-9222