Each year, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) partners with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies across the county to help students explore future career paths through the Job for a Day program. Job for a Day is a hands-on career exploration activity designed to give 10th and 11th grade students the opportunity to spend a day shadowing professionals in a field of their choice. Through real-world observation, students see firsthand the tasks, responsibilities, and workplace expectations tied to specific careers and industries.
New this year, the program expanded eligibility to 10th and 11th graders—previously it was open to 11th and 12th graders. Because seniors are often already focused on college applications, LCPS adjusted the grade levels to give younger students the chance to explore careers earlier in their high school journey. The 2025 Job for a Day event took place on Wednesday, November 19th, with hundreds of students placed across Loudoun County.
Supporting the program behind the scenes is the School Business Partnership Executive Council (SBPEC), an advisory body made up of leaders from business, industry, higher education, nonprofits, and LCPS representatives. SBPEC strengthens connections between schools and the broader community, championing initiatives that enrich student experiences and support the region’s workforce pipeline. Through guidance, partnership development, and strategic outreach, the council ensures that programs like Job for a Day align with LCPS priorities while offering meaningful opportunities for future talent.
Leesburg Economic Development has been a proud Job for a Day host for four years, and this year marked the Town of Leesburg’s third year participating as a multi-department partner. Sixteen students were placed across the Town’s Utilities, Police, Human Resources, Public Information Office, and Economic Development departments. The Department of Economic Development hosted half of those students—eight in total—for a half-day immersive experience.
Since expanding participation among Town departments in 2023, the Economic Development team has continued refining its approach to make the day as impactful as possible. This year, students began with a walking tour of Downtown Leesburg to gain a deeper understanding of the business community. Staff then discussed an upcoming Town Council agenda item, giving students insight into how staff interacts with elected officials and how the legislative process influences community and economic development work. The day concluded with a hands-on activity centered on two vacant commercial properties. Students reviewed real data, market analytics, and demographic information to form recommendations about what types of businesses could succeed in those spaces. The exercise mirrored the department’s real-world practices and encouraged students to think creatively and strategically about land use and economic vitality.
“As part of our workforce initiative to ready the talent pipeline, the Leesburg Economic Development Department loves to take part in the LCPS Job for A Day Program,” said Melanie Scoggins, Assistant Director of Economic Development. “The students are exceptionally bright, engaged and a pleasure to work with. It is always a fun and productive day!” Programs like Job for a Day help inspire the next generation of community leaders, business owners, and innovators—and Leesburg is proud to play a part in shaping their journey.