Career Exploration Camps
Discover your future in just one week! These intensive career exploration camps give rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students hands-on experience in high-demand industries while exploring real job pathways and building workplace skills.
Each week-long camp connects you directly with industry professionals, local employers, and college instructors who bring real-world expertise into every session. You’ll gain practical knowledge and skills specific to your chosen industry while discovering the many career paths available to you–from entry-level positions to advanced professional roles.
Registration opens in March!
Register In-Person!
An in-person registration event will be held on Saturday, March 7th in STEM ST112 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Campus Map (PDF)
Students age 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to register.
Program Highlights:
- Hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and techniques
- Direct interaction with employers and professionals in your field of interest
- College-level instruction that gives you a head start on your career
- Networking opportunities with area businesses and organizations
- Graduation celebration and Supporter Fair at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (August 8, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Who Should Register: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students ready to explore career options and build real-world skills
Questions? Contact Workforce Solutions at 540-857-6076 or workforce@virginiawestern.edu.
July 6-10 Camps
Criminal Justice & Forensic Science
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Duncan D206)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
What does it take to solve crimes, protect communities, and ensure justice? In this immersive camp, you’ll explore the diverse career pathways in law enforcement and criminal justice while discovering how these vital professions improve the safety and livability of our communities.
You’ll visit Virginia Western’s state-of-the-art crime lab for hands-on learning experiences that bring forensic science to life. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, you’ll learn about evidence collection, crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, and the many roles that work together in the criminal justice system–from patrol officers to forensic scientists, victim advocates to corrections professionals.
This camp provides authentic insight into careers that make a difference every day, combining practical skills training with an understanding of how law enforcement and criminal justice professionals serve their communities.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in law enforcement, forensic science, and community service.
Entrepreneurship: Launch Your Business Idea
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Natural Science Center)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Have a great business idea but don’t know where to start? Ready to think like an entrepreneur and turn your vision into reality? This camp takes you through the complete journey of launching a business–from concept to market-ready plan.
You’ll create a working and viable business plan, develop branding and marketing strategies for your product or service, identify distribution channels, and establish a realistic budget. Through hands-on projects and real-world scenarios, you’ll learn what makes businesses succeed (and what causes them to fail), gaining the entrepreneurial mindset that drives innovation.
Whether you dream of starting your own company, bringing a product to market, or simply want to understand how businesses work, this camp provides practical skills and strategic thinking that apply to any career path. You’ll leave with a business plan you actually created and the confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Event Planning & Management
Location: Hotel Roanoke
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Ever wonder how large-scale events come together flawlessly? From weddings to corporate conferences, music festivals to community celebrations–event planners orchestrate every detail to create memorable experiences.
In this dynamic camp, you’ll learn the complete event planning process, from initial concept through budget development and execution. You’ll master project management skills, work with industry professionals including culinary teams, wedding coordinators, corporate event specialists, and audio/visual experts to understand how all the pieces fit together.
The highlight? You’ll help plan the actual Summer Career Exploration Camps Graduation event, applying everything you’ve learned to a real celebration. This hands-on experience will give you insight into the fast-paced, creative world of event planning while building practical skills in organization, communication, and project management.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in hospitality, event management, and creative problem-solving.
Mechatronics & Advanced Manufacturing
Location: Virginia Western Community College (STEM FabLab)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
What powers the robots on assembly lines? How do manufacturers create precision parts? What skills drive innovation in modern factories? Discover the high-tech world of manufacturing through hands-on exploration of mechatronics–the fusion of mechanics, electronics, and computing.
Manufacturing is one of our region’s largest employment sectors, offering excellent career opportunities with strong wages and advancement potential. In this camp, you’ll learn the fundamentals of mechatronics, gaining critical skills in electricity, precision measuring, automation, and innovation that are essential to advanced manufacturing careers.
You won’t just learn theory–you’ll apply your knowledge to create a take-home project that demonstrates real mechatronics principles. Through hands-on activities and industry exposure, you’ll discover why manufacturing is far more than assembly lines–it’s about problem-solving, precision, and bringing innovative products to life.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in engineering, manufacturing, robotics, and hands-on problem-solving.
July 13-17 Camps
Biotechnology: From Lab to Market
Location: Virginia Western Community College (STEM ST414)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Ever wonder how scientists create life-saving medicines, develop eco-friendly products, or harness the power of tiny organisms to solve big problems? In this hands-on biotechnology camp, you’ll step into the role of a biotech entrepreneur and scientist.
You’ll guide a product through the complete journey–from initial development in the lab, through manufacturing and purification processes, all the way to taking it to market. Along the way, you’ll discover the incredible world of microbes and explore how these microscopic powerhouses are revolutionizing biotechnology to create everything from antibiotics to sustainable fuels.
This camp combines real laboratory techniques with business strategy, giving you a taste of careers in epidemiology, microbiology, research and development, and biotech entrepreneurship. You’ll work with cutting-edge concepts while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that matter in any career path.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in science, innovation, and making a real-world impact.
Electrical Technology & Renewable Energy
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Webber W106)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
How do circuits power everything from smartphones to entire cities? What role does renewable energy play in our future? Dive into the exciting world of electricity, innovation, and sustainable technology in this hands-on electrical camp.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of electricity, wiring, and electronics through interactive projects and real-world applications. Build simple devices, experiment with renewable energy concepts, and explore how electrical systems make modern life possible. From understanding basic circuits to investigating solar and wind power, you’ll discover the technology that literally powers our world.
Beyond technical skills, you’ll develop problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and critical thinking while exploring career pathways in electrical technology, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. This is the perfect camp for students who want to understand how things work and be part of building a more sustainable future.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in the electrical trades.
Hospitality, Tourism & Festival Management
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Natural Science Center)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Did you know tourism is one of Virginia’s most vital industries? From hotels and restaurants to festivals and attractions, hospitality and tourism careers shape our communities and economy in powerful ways.
In this engaging camp, you’ll explore the diverse career pathways in tourism and hospitality while learning why this industry sector is so critical to the Roanoke Valley. Through guest speakers from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge and other regional organizations, you’ll discover how tourism connects to marketing, business, event planning, and community development.
The culminating project? You’ll collaborate with your peers to design and pitch a completely new fair or festival concept to Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, applying everything you’ve learned about tourism, marketing, audience development, and community impact. This is your chance to think creatively while gaining real-world skills in an industry that makes our region thrive.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in tourism, hospitality, marketing, and community development.
July 27-31 Camps
Baking & Pastry Arts
Location: Claude Moore Education Complex
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Ever wonder what it takes to create picture-perfect cakes, artisan breads, or delicate pastries? Step into a professional kitchen and discover the art and science of baking in this hands-on culinary camp.
You’ll master essential techniques like measuring, mixing, and baking while unleashing your creativity to decorate cakes and cookies and prepare breads and pastries. Working in a fully equipped commercial kitchen, you’ll learn the skills that professional bakers use every day–from food safety protocols to teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
Led by experienced culinary instructors, you’ll gain insight into the daily operations of bakeries and commercial kitchens while building practical skills that translate directly to industry. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring pastry chef, this camp provides hands-on experience and explores the many career pathways available in baking and pastry arts.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in culinary careers.
Healthcare & Health Sciences Exploration
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Fralin HP340)
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Interested in saving lives, helping patients, or advancing medical science? This comprehensive healthcare camp introduces you to the diverse world of health professions through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and real-world skills practice.
Each day focuses on a different healthcare sector–nursing, emergency medicine, laboratory sciences, and mental health careers. You’ll discover the many pathways available in healthcare, from direct patient care to diagnostics and medical technology. Through interactive simulations and expert presentations, you’ll gain authentic insight into what these careers truly involve and which paths might align with your interests and strengths.
Whether you’re considering becoming a nurse, paramedic, lab technician, mental health counselor, or exploring other medical fields, this camp provides valuable exposure to help you make informed decisions about your future in healthcare.
Perfect for: Rising 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in medicine, patient care, and health sciences.
Career Experience Camps
The Summer Career Experience Camp is an engaging, hands-on program designed to introduce students to real-world career pathways through interactive learning and practical activities. Hosted by the college, this camp allows participants to explore industry-focused fields, develop foundational skills, and gain insight into college and career readiness in a supportive, campus-based environment. Students will work alongside experienced instructors and peers while participating in workshops, simulations, and guided projects that promote teamwork, problem-solving, and professional growth.
Registration opens in March!
Register In-Person!
An in-person registration event will be held on Saturday, March 7th in STEM ST112 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Campus Map (PDF)
Students age 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult to register.
Questions? Contact Workforce Solutions at 540-857-6076 or workforce@virginiawestern.edu.
Unlocking the Hidden World: Exploring Engineering Through Engineering Technology
Location: Virginia Western Community College (Engineering Lab)
Dates: June 15-18
Time: M-W 1:00 – 5:00 PM; Th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $350
What makes a bridge collapse? Why do some materials shatter while others bend? How do engineers choose the right materials for everything from smartphones to spacecraft? Find out in this hands-on materials science camp where you’ll think like an engineer and work with university-level technology.
In partnership with Virginia Tech’s Engineering program, you’ll use a scanning electron microscope (SEM)–the same advanced equipment used by professional engineers and researchers–to examine material samples at the microscopic level. But here’s where it gets exciting: you’ll test materials to their breaking point to understand their properties, limitations, and real-world applications.
Through destructive testing and microscopic analysis, you’ll explore how different materials respond to stress, heat, pressure, and other forces. You’ll learn to predict failure points, analyze structural integrity, and understand why engineers select specific materials for critical applications. This is the science behind everything that’s built, manufactured, or designed.
This camp provides authentic engineering experience that will strengthen college applications and give you insider knowledge of careers in materials engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace, manufacturing, product design, and quality assurance.
Perfect for: Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates interested in engineering, manufacturing, and how things work
Limited spots also available for high school teachers seeking professional development in STEM education and hands-on experience with advanced engineering concepts.
Unlocking the Hidden World: Exploring Science Through Imaging Technology
Location: Virginia Western Community College (STEM Biotech Lab)
Dates: June 22-26
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $350
Ready to see the world like never before? This exclusive camp offers you the rare opportunity to work with cutting-edge scientific equipment–including a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal microscopes–tools typically reserved for university researchers and industry professionals.
You’ll image fascinating biological samples that reveal intricate details invisible to the naked eye: the compound eyes of insects, the surface structures of bacteria, the fiber patterns in muscle tissue, the delicate architecture of flower petals, the spiky shells of pollen grains, and the complex forms of algae. Each sample tells a story that only advanced microscopy can reveal.
This hands-on experience will give you practical skills in advanced microscopy techniques and specimen preparation while building your understanding of cellular and structural biology. Whether you’re considering careers in research, medicine, biotech, forensics, or materials science, this camp provides real-world lab experience that will set you apart on college applications and in future STEM pursuits.
Perfect for: Rising high school seniors and recent high school graduates interested in engineering, manufacturing, and how things work
Limited spots also available for high school teachers seeking professional development in STEM education and hands-on experience with advanced engineering concepts.
Summer Explorations in Biotech
Location: Virginia Western Community College (STEM Biotech Lab)
Dates: July 6-10
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Cost: $460
Get ready for a hands-on science exploration! In this exciting summer experience, students will explore the theme “Harmony with Nature” through both engaging laboratory and outdoor activities. Students will discover the special features and abilities of plants, exploring their many uses and discussing the reasons many scientists use biotechnology to modify them. These discoveries will come through interactions with plants grown by the students and available on campus. In the lab, students will discover how biotechnology techniques, like transformation, can be used to increase plant yield, nutritional value, and drought resistance. They’ll also explore various techniques that allow scientists to identify modified organisms. To further explore what helps plants grow and thrive, lab activities will dive into the fascinating world of microbes, highlighting the essential relationships between plants and microbes. Students will learn how to use a microscope, prepare their own microscope slides, practice aseptic technique, culture microbial samples, and even create colorful microbial art on Petri dishes. As part of the week-long experiences, students will also practice science communication, learning how to convey scientific concepts, share their observations, and present their work. Together, these summer explorations in biotech combine creativity, discovery, and real scientific tools to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Perfect for: Middle school students interested in science, innovation, and making a real-world impact