Last month, the SOVA Innovation Hub was buzzing with energy as educators from Halifax County dove into hands-on experiences through EXCITE Halifax, a weeklong summer program designed to provide educators with insights into STEM careers available for their students.
EXCITE (Exploring Careers through Industry Teacher Externships) is a dynamic initiative developed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to connect educators with industry across southern Virginia. On July 21–25, 2025 the program was hosted for the first time exclusively for Halifax County educators, thanks to a collaboration among the SOVA Innovation Hub, IALR, Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC), Halifax County Public Schools, and Microsoft’s TechSpark program.
Throughout the week, seven local educators – including middle school and high school teachers and school counselors – participated in engaging sessions led by local leaders and industry professionals. Program participants learned about the daily activities that drive Halifax County’s economy through the lenses of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Halifax, the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), and the Halifax County Administrator’s office. Additional learning opportunities for the program participants were made available through industry tours with Halifax County employers. The curriculum was tailored to highlight regional opportunities and support the educators in inspiring their students to consider innovative careers in Halifax County.
Educator Perspectives on EXCITE Halifax
“EXCITE really allowed us as educators to see firsthand what STEM jobs are available in our rural community,” said Rosa Dunn, Connections Coordinator, Explore The Trades. “We saw potential job fields for our students that we had no idea about beforehand that are directly related to STEM education. It is important that we start exposing our students to these opportunities early on so they can see the potential that is in their own backyards.”
“EXCITE week was an impactful step forward in strengthening the connection between education and industry,” said Melanie Hastings, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director, Halifax County Public Schools. “Educators stepped outside the classroom to engage with local experts and see firsthand how the skills they teach translate directly to the workforce. I look forward to continuing this collaboration, raising awareness about career opportunities for our students right here at home.”
“Seeing these technologies and career opportunities in action within our own region made a lasting impression,” said Julia Salley, GO TEC Instructor, Halifax County Middle School. “It reaffirmed the importance of what I’m teaching and gave me powerful, real-world examples to share with my students. I can now better show them how the skills they’re learning translate into meaningful careers right here in Halifax County.”
Industry Perspectives on EXCITE Halifax
“Gloster was so thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to collaborate with frontline members of education whose impact on the next generation truly does have an impact on employers,” said Danielle Potter, Human Resources Manager, Gloster. “The passion to inspire and influence the future workforce was apparent among this group of educators and education partners and we as industry were truly appreciative to be asked our opinion and feedback on how we all as a collective can be more influential. This experience was absolutely beneficial to Gloster and we hope that we had an impact on those who participated, and will continue to be given more opportunities for continued collaboration with our school system.”
“As AI becomes more integrated into our economy, it is crucial to prepare workers across industries with the skills needed to succeed,” said Jeremy Satterfield, TechSpark Manager, Microsoft. “EXCITE Halifax expands training opportunities across Halifax County, helping students fill in demand jobs and compete in the local economy.”
Planning for EXCITE Summer 2026
The SOVA Innovation Hub, a nonprofit dedicated to economic transformation through innovation and entrepreneurship, is proud to bring IALR’s EXCITE program to Halifax County, thanks to financial and programmatic support from Microsoft’s TechSpark initiative. The EXCITE program is part of a broader effort to expand access to STEM career exploration across Southern Virginia.
Following this year’s pilot of EXCITE Halifax, partners plan to offer EXCITE again in summer 2026 in Halifax and are actively exploring opportunities to bring the program to additional localities—such as Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Lunenburg counties. Local leaders, educators, and employers interested in supporting or hosting future EXCITE programs are invited to complete the EXCITE Interest Form >.
Want to be the first to know when this program is offered again? Join our newsletter >