In an effort to expand career awareness and opportunities for young students, North Carolina has dedicated the month of March 2026 to the Students@Work initiative. This program aims to introduce approximately 25,000 middle school students to various industries and professions available across the state.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the program’s significance by stating, “If you work hard, where you come from in North Carolina should never limit how far you can go. It all starts with opening doors of opportunity for young people. For 16 years, Students@Work has helped to connect students to opportunities that allow them to explore their passions while preparing for the workforce, and I am pleased to celebrate their important work.”
Throughout the month, participating businesses will offer both virtual and in-person experiences aimed at career exploration for middle schoolers. The North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction are key collaborators for this initiative, now in its 16th year.
The Students@Work program provides students with insights into careers in numerous fields such as health care, hospitality, finance, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology, among others. A diverse range of organizations, including Enbridge Gas, State Employees’ Credit Union, and Caterpillar, will engage with educators to facilitate these learning experiences.
In addition to businesses, several state agencies are participating, notably the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology, and NCBCE, which operates within the Office of the Governor.
The program leverages North Carolina’s Navigator platform, a no-cost online resource that links educational content with career paths by connecting businesses, educational institutions, and workforce development partners. To learn more about Navigator, visit their website.
NCBCE, a nonprofit established in 1983, serves as a vital bridge between North Carolina’s business leaders and educational policymakers, helping align educational goals with workforce readiness. For additional information about the Students@Work initiative, visit www.ncbce.org.
For those interested in the official declaration, the proclamation can be accessed here.
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