Junior Achievement of The Triad Inspires Future Careers Through Real-World Connections

With the support of the Kontoor Brands Foundation through a 2024 grant partnership, Junior Achievement of the Triad created a powerful workforce readiness experience for students at Lincoln Middle School — one that combined classroom learning, hands-on career exploration and meaningful mentorship from professionals in our community.

Leading up to the event, educators used Junior Achievement curriculum and materials to prepare students with essential workplace skills — from communication and collaboration to critical thinking and career exploration. This classroom preparation helped students not only build practical competencies, but also develop the confidence and curiosity needed to fully engage with what came next.

The capstone of the experience was a career-focused event where students met face-to-face with a variety of local professionals, including volunteers from Kontoor Brands. These volunteers shared their career journeys, offered advice and answered student questions — showing them firsthand the diverse paths that exist in the workforce and what it takes to get there.

For many students, the experience was both eye-opening and deeply motivating. As Principal Norman reflected:

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to expose and introduce our students to so many wonderful career opportunities and great role models in our community. We are grateful for their time and desire to share with our students. Thank you for giving them something to dream about and work towards. Thank you for generating interest and excitement about their future. Thank you for being a part of their journey and helping them to see themselves where you are!”

Through experiences like this, students not only gain critical workforce readiness skills but also develop the mindset of possibility that fuels their long-term success. With the Kontoor Brands Foundation’s partnership, we are helping the next generation envision their place in the workforce — and equipping them with the tools and inspiration to get there.

Volunteers from Kontoor Brands at Lincoln Middle School

Extending Impact Beyond the Classroom: Summer Workforce Readiness at Dudley High School

The foundation’s investment in workforce readiness extended beyond the traditional school year — helping us reach students during the summer months as well. At Dudley High School, Junior Achievement partnered with educators to integrate a comprehensive workforce readiness curriculum into a summer enrichment program designed to prepare students for their next steps after graduation.

Through a series of interactive lessons and hands-on activities, students explored career pathways, practiced essential employability skills and learned how their interests and strengths connect to real-world opportunities. A highlight of the program was a site visit to Kontoor Brands, where students experienced the workplace environment firsthand, connected with professionals in a variety of roles, and gained insight into the many career paths available in the modern workforce.

These types of immersive experiences are invaluable for young people — bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, while building both skills and confidence.

Below, you’ll find a note from one Dudley High School student, sharing their personal reflection on the experience and its impact. It’s a powerful reminder of how meaningful these opportunities are:

“We are energized by the opportunities and hope Junior Achievement provides to the Greensboro community and honored we get to partner with them in this important work” said Pete Kidd, EVP, Human Resources, and President, Kontoor Brands Foundation.