TUESDAY. AUGUST 25. 2020
Newport News YouthBuild Participants Excelling
In late July, the first group of participants began the Newport News YouthBuild program, a partnership between Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas and the City of Newport News. This innovative workforce development initiative provides education and helps young people in the city obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries, including carpentry and maintenance, and pre-apprenticeships in plumbing, heating and air, and electrical services. 
 
The program’s 11 students are currently in the “Boot Camp” phase, which focuses on leadership and academic training. Thanks to a partnership with the Peninsula Regional Educational Program, more commonly known as PREP, students are receiving training in digital and financial literacy and receiving leadership development instruction to prepare them for long-term career success.
 
Following Boot Camp, students begin construction trades training, which utilizes curricula developed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Participants earn industry-recognized credentials for demonstrating quality and safety control mechanisms of a craftsman in the construction industry. Participants receive intensive skills training in carpentry, electricity, residential HVAC and plumbing. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in Centura College’s Commercial Driver’s License program to receive a Class A operating license.
 
A key component of Newport News YouthBuild is community engagement. Volunteer opportunities teach students the importance of investing in the communities in which they live, while also building character, self-confidence and relationships. Participants recently volunteered at the Four Oaks Day Service Center and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, offering support and comfort to their neighbors in need.
 
Newport News YouthBuild is open to young men and women ages 16-24 who live in Newport News, with priority given to residents in zip code area 23607. The program lasts eight months, with follow-up support services for one year. Support services include career counseling, help during job searches and the application process, outreach to community businesses for placement, and more. Applications are currently being accepted for the fall program, with information sessions being held in October. Visit www.voachesapeake.org/youthbuild for more information and to access the online application.
Newport News Sheriff’s Office Named One of Military Times’ Top Employers for Veterans
The Newport News Sheriff's Office (NNSO) was named one of the best employers for veterans by Military Times. This is the most comprehensive annual ranking of the country's best employers and organizations with military-connected employment programs, benefits and supports. 

Approximately 30% of the NNSO staff has a connection to the military, either as a former service member, a military spouse or a current member of the National Guard or Reserves. The NNSO is the only law enforcement agency in Hampton Roads to receive this designation.

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division was also recognized. In 2019, Newport News Shipbuilding hired more than 530 veterans and service veterans make up 18% of its workforce.

The Best for Vets: Employers 2020 rankings were based on Military Times’ research, interviews with veterans, input from veterans’ advocates and human resources professionals. It also included survey data on the company’s policies and practices related to veteran recruitment and retention, support for translation of military skills to civilian credentials, support for military spouse employment and accommodations for members of the National Guard and reserves. Visit the Military Times website for a complete list of rankings.

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. For information on jobs visit nnsheriff.org and click on the Careers tab. To apply for a Deputy Sheriff position, text NNSO to 757-260-4121.  
Young People Invited to Participate
 in Congressional App Challenge
Attention all budding programmers, developers and innovators! Highlight your skills and gain nationwide recognition by participating in the Congressional App Challenge. The Challenge highlights the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education while encouraging middle and high school students to engage in these fields. This event allows students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.

The Challenge is open to all middle and high school students who live or are eligible to attend school in the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia. Students who do not reside or attend a high school in the 3rd Congressional District of Virginia can see if their Representative is participating by visiting the App Challenge website. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four students, as long as two of the team members reside in or are eligible to attend public high school in their congressional district. 

Students must register by September 10, and the Challenge submission deadline is October 19. To register or access official guidelines and submission instructions, visit the Congressional App Challenge Website.