DOBSON — Surry-Yadkin Works has announced the appointment of Kara M. Parsons as the new Director of Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET (Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades). With an extensive background in education and administration, Parsons brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her new role.
As FLEET Director, Parsons will oversee the implementation of Surry-Yadkin Works’ numerous opportunities, including, work-based learning experiences such as pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships at Altec. Her expertise in educational leadership, coupled with her understanding of Career and Technical Education standards, will play a pivotal role in preparing students for success in both education and employment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kara Parsons to the Surry-Yadkin Works team,” said Crystal Folger-Hawks, Executive Director of Surry-Yadkin Works. “Her proven leadership abilities and passion for education make her the ideal candidate to lead our FLEET program and make a positive impact on the lives of our students.”
Throughout her career, Parsons has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, serving as Assistant Principal at Surry Central High School, Gentry Middle School, and Central Middle School. Before her administrative roles, she was a Mathematics Teacher at North Surry High School, where she also held positions as Department Chair and Mentor.
In her most recent role as Assistant Principal, Parsons collaborated with school leadership teams, addressed disciplinary issues, developed testing plans, and provided support to teachers through professional learning communities and classroom observations. Additionally, her experience in managing bus schedules and building positive relationships with staff, students, and parents will greatly contribute to her success in her new position.
“I am honored to join Surry-Yadkin Works as the FLEET Director,” said Kara Parsons. “I am passionate about empowering students to achieve their full potential and am excited to work alongside educators and community partners to provide meaningful opportunities for our students.”
The funding to start Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET is provided by The Golden LEAF Foundation. The Golden LEAF Foundation supports the mission of advancing economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities. FLEET was made possible by the Community-Based Grants Initiative that identifies projects that have a significant impact and focus on the building blocks of economic growth. This project was awarded $603,230 for the implementation of FLEET which will provide students with classroom instruction, on-the-job training at Altec in Mount Airy, work/life skills, mentor, and employment opportunities.
Surry-Yadkin Works is the first community-based internship program of its kind in North Carolina, officially beginning on January 1, 2021, covering a two-county region. Surry-Yadkin Works is the collaborative effort of four public school systems in Surry and Yadkin counties including Elkin City Schools, Mount Airy City Schools, Surry County Schools, and Yadkin County Schools, as well as Surry Community College, to create an innovative and unique approach to a regional internship program. The funding is also a joint effort with commitments from the Surry County Commissioners and the Yadkin County Commissioners. For more information about the Surry-Yadkin Works program, contact Crystal Folger-Hawks, Surry-Yadkin Works Executive Director, at (336) 401-7820 or folger-hawksc@surry.edu or visit www.surryyadkinworks.org.
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