AI is changing the future of work. We're making sure young adults are ready to lead in it. By teaching young adults to work alongside AI while strengthening their creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking, we're preparing them for what comes next!
#RoadtoHire
Visiting our Corporate partner offices does more than introduce our participants to the workplace; it helps them envision themselves there. Our participants visited Ally, Duke Energy, Honeywell, and Lowe's to learn directly from the professionals who power these organizations!
Learning doesn't end when #SummerU does. It just gets started.
Summer U is about more than building skills: it's about building the mindset to keep learning.
Because at #RoadtoHire, Summer U is the foundation for what's next: college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Envisioning what's possible starts with experiencing it!
As part of Summer U, rising high school seniors participated in college tours to @NCCU and @UNC.
Thank you to the Equitable Foundation for investing in experiences that help turn exposure into opportunity!
One year into Dr. Monique Perry-Graves' leadership as CEO, The Charlotte Optimist reflects on Road to Hire's next chapter. One defined by bold vision, meaningful partnerships, and expanding opportunities for young adults across Charlotte.
Read it here: https://t.co/MxD5cwtX5m
Four weeks ago, students walked in as strangers from different schools and different campuses. On July 16, our participants walked out as the Founding Class of Road to Hire Summer U ๐
The Founding Class made their commitment to whatโs next. Now, the Road Ahead begins.
As a proud member of the Crescent Coalition, Road to Hire was excited to attend the Beating the Odds Summit, where organizations from across Charlotte came together to equip students with the knowledge, resources, and connections to thrive in college and beyond!
#RoadtoHire
During Summer U, courage looks like raising your hand to ask a question, introducing yourself to a corporate leader, or practicing your elevator pitch for the first time.
At Road to Hire, courage isn't the end goal. It's where every new opportunity begins.
#RoadtoHire#SummerU
โPrior to my involvement in Road to Hire, I thought my pathway to college was rough and full of uncertainty. As a first-generation student, I had no guidance on the whole college process. Road to Hire filled in that gap." โ Johnny H.
First generation. Full of potential!
"Before joining Road to Hire, I had goals and dreams for myself, but the path to achieving them felt confusing and out of reach. Since becoming part of Road to Hire, that has completely changed." โ Lindsay P.
Her journey is just beginning!
#RoadtoHire#SummerU 2026 began with participants from different schools and campuses coming together as strangers on the first day. Days later, that same group had already started building real connections. This is how we grow together!
โFrom the first day, I knew Road to Hire could challenge me, inspire me, and push me to be the best version of myself.โ - Nate Dodson
This fall, Nate will continue his journey with Road to Hire as he attends the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
On June 25, Road to Hire brought together its largest-ever in-person gathering at the Red Ventures campus for the Road Ahead: the opening ceremony that officially kicked off Summer U!
The Founding Class of Summer U is just getting started!
โLooking back, choosing Road to Hire changed a lot for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me Iโm capable of more than I thought.โ - Brian Maradiaga
His story is a reminder that growth begins when students are empowered to see their own potential.
#RoadtoHire
The celebrations continue as we recognize Road to Hire high school graduates from West Charlotte High School, Harding University High School, Julius L. Chambers High School, and Rocky River High School ๐
#RoadtoHire
โI didnโt just want to go through the Road to Hire program. I wanted to grow through it.โ - Princess B.
As Princess graduates from high school, sheโs stepping into her next chapter with resilience, purpose, and excitement for whatโs ahead.
#RoadtoHire#ClassOf2026#R2HScholars
โDear Road to Hire: Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement.โ - Faith C.
Faith graduated with her Associateโs degree from Central Piedmont Community College and will continue her journey this fall at North Carolina Central University.
#RoadtoHire
The tassels have turned, the diplomas have been earned, and the next chapter begins ๐
We're proud to celebrate Road to Hire High School graduates from Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology and West Mecklenburg High School!
We're excited to see where their journeys lead next!
โA lot of us underestimate our potential. If someone else can do it, we can too.โ - Alba A.
Congratulations to Alba on graduating from @GuilfordCollege with three majors and preparing to complete her MBA this August. Your future is bright! ๐
#RoadtoHire#ClassOf2026#R2HAlumni
From @UNC to New York City. ๐โก๏ธ๐ฝ
Congratulations to Miguel R. on earning degrees in Media & Journalism and Psychology and joining L'Orรฉal's Management Trainee Program, supporting CeraVe US Marketing.
#RoadtoHire#ClassOf2026#R2HAlumni