Leaders from Isle of Wight County Schools, along with leaders from neighboring school divisions and community organizations, gathered today to launch an exciting partnership. Isle of Wight County Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, and Suffolk Public Schools are joining with Opportunity Scholars to help students explore and navigate career pathways.
Opportunity Scholars is a nonprofit organization that empowers high school seniors and young adults to achieve their educational and career goals. Coaches in the organization provide personalized academic coaching, financial support, and career-readiness training to guide students toward a career path that interests them.
The program is available to low to middle-income young adults ages 16-29. The goal is to provide low-cost pathways to fill high-demand jobs.
Once students identify a career of interest, coaches help them gain the skills they need, pursue affordable educational opportunities, apply for grants and scholarships, and connect with employers who actively hire graduates in their fields.
The program was founded in Winchester, Virginia, and has been serving students and families in that region. However, co-founder and board chair Fred Thompson felt compelled to expand the organization's services to Hampton Roads. He credited his faith with his decision to pursue efforts to bring the program to the area where he grew up.
"Those of you who have a relationship with Him, you know that the Lord doesn't give many details, but when He says go do something, you'd better go."
As he started planning, the people and resources needed to make the expansion possible fell into place, he said.
One of those key leaders is Opportunity Scholars Regional Director Lathaniel Kirts, a Norfolk native. Kirts is a first-generation college graduate of Morehouse College and Virginia Union University and a graduate of the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at VCU and the Sorensen Institute at UVA. He has nearly two decades of experience supporting students and young adults.
Since starting in his role, Kirts and the organization have added 61 students in the last six months, he said.
The final piece of the puzzle, Thompson said, was finding a superintendent in the Hampton Roads area who would champion the program. A phone call from Yvonne Almond, executive vice president and community financial engagement officer at Towne Bank, solved his last challenge. She introduced him to Dr. Theo Cramer, the superintendent for Isle of Wight County Schools. Cramer has been an invaluable partner in helping bring the program to Hampton Roads, Thompson said.
Thompson is the Chief Administrative Officer at Thompson Hospitality, the largest minority-owned food service company in the nation, where he works with his brother and sister. The siblings learned the importance of education from a young age. Thompson's father started his career as a teacher in Windsor, and he went on to serve as principal and assistant superintendent for services.
"When I came up Route 258 today," Thompason said, "I couldn't help but think about my father. My father, Fred Thompson, Sr. He only lived until he was 62, but he had such an impact on young people."
He recalled that his dad took every opportunity he could to connect with young people, and he had a special affinity for the "underdog." That sense of support and encouragement is what he hopes Opportunity Scholars brings to the students and families it serves.
"We are here today as partners," he said. "I'm glad you allowed us a chance to come back home, and we will do great things together."
Learn more about Opportunity Scholars.
Photos from the Public Signing Event
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