EO A Year in Review 2024

Inspiring Futures

When Kelsea opened Little Eyes Daycare in Wytheville, Virginia, she needed dedicated teachers. Through EO’s Early Childhood Educator Pathway, she connected with a workforce recruiter who introduced her to Emily and Katie. Both started as part-time aides fresh out of high school and are now lead teachers. “I would definitely recommend EO’s workforce recruits because they brought me two of my most trusted employees,” Kelsea said. Emily, who learned about the program at her high school career fair, credits EO for her growth. “They gave me the training to be certified and got me where I am today.” With support from EO, Little Eyes Daycare isn’t just a workplace—it’s a family.

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Helping Provide a Strong Start

Ethan’s family struggled to afford childcare. Through the support of EO’s programs and initiatives, his family secured a high-quality early learning experience at no cost, allowing his parents to work full-time. While in the mixed-delivery program, Ethan thrived— overcoming a speech delay, building confidence, and is now excelling in kindergarten.

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EO helps families like Ethan’s gain access to the foundation for lifelong success.

A Volunteer Career Mentor

Stepping into Career Commons as a volunteer, Lisa, a retired educator who works with both middle and high school students, watched as middle school students explored hands-on activities, discovering career paths they had never considered before. As someone who specializes in student experiences, the volunteer opportunity reinforced a belief long held - career exploration should start as early as possible. “It’s exciting to see students engaging with different career opportunities,” Lisa shared. “The goal is to expose them to what’s out there, helping them think about their strengths and how they might align with a future career. It isn’t just about planning for the future - it’s about inspiring students to see their own potential today.”

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