Onboard|ROA

Roanoke Region Summer Onboarding Program

What is Onboard|ROA?

This eight-week summer onboarding program integrates interns, new hires, and remote workers with regional employers and our thriving community. Onboarding is an essential element in developing workers committed to the success of a company and helps retain new hires by making them feel included. Here at Get2KnowNoke – we think onboarding matters for new hires and new residents alike.

Onboard|ROA develops our region’s future workforce through crucial NACE career readiness competencies courses, intentional socials, and eye-opening excursions. We heard time and again how interns and new hires would show up to work, but never feel engrained in the Noke life — that’s why Onboard|ROA is a total game-changer. Register Today!

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Onboard|ROA is the perfect blend of career development and livability experiences.

Who can participate?

Interns, Students, New Hires, New-to-the-Area Professionals, and Remote Workers Ages 25 and Under

Our program isn’t just for interns anymore. It’s now open to students and young professionals who are working in the Roanoke Region of Virginia – that includes remote workers whose employers may not be located here! You just have to be aged 18 to 25 and want to meet new people and build your career.

Employers, register your interns and young professionals today! Program begins June 5.

What will Onboard|ROA help you accomplish?

EMPLOYER BENEFITS-

Increase the number of young professionals living and working in the region post-graduation.
Develop core career soft skills with our National Association of Colleges and Educators career readiness curriculum.
Build the pipeline for area college graduates.
Train and develop your workforce from within, providing long-term time and financial savings.

YP & INTERN BENEFITS –

Meet new young professional colleagues.
Explore the outdoors and regional entertainment.
Gain valuable leadership and career-building skills that will set you apart to future employers.

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Summer Events Calendar

Employers provide the opportunity, let us provide the fun through social events, evening outings, nightlife, and outdoor excursions. It’s the perfect match, for a memorable summer. Participants are responsible for their own transportation. We understand that participants will have vacations or work conflicts and may not be able to attend ALL events.

**Details are subject to change slightly (location, time, etc.) until all events are finalized in late May.

Date/Time	Program Description	Location
June 5 11:30am – 1:00pm	Welcome Lunch & Orientation: Getting to know you and details on what’s to come.	TBD
June 8 4:00-7:00pm	Professional Communication & Networking – Followed by a happy hour with the Roanoke Region Professional Network	Q2 Social – Sunset at the Star
June 13 2:15pm-5:30pm	Teamwork & Building Your Workplace Community at Explore Park TreeTop Quest in Roanoke County	Explore Park – Debrief at Twin Creeks Brewery
June 22 5:00-7:00pm	Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in the Workplace Roundtable Discussion	The Collective
June 29 5:00pm	Career & Self Development Dinner + Live Concert at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (Live Music Act TBA)	Dinner at TBD, Concert at 5 Points
July 12 5:00pm	Technology Talks & Roanoke River Annual Floatilla	Starr Hill Brewery, Roanoke River
July 18 1:00-6:00pm	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving followed by a hike on the famous Appalachian Trail and social hour at Parkway Brewing	Parkway Brewing Appalachian Trail Hike
July 27 TBD	Salem Red Sox Night – free tickets and a $3 food voucher	Salem Red Sox Ballpark
Aug. 4 10:30am-4:00pm	RIVER DAYS FAREWELL PARTY – Full day float on the James River in Buchanan, Virginia (packed lunch included)	Twin River Outfitters

TIME AWAY FROM WORK: Every participant will miss approximately 20 hours of work time (weekdays between 8 am-5 pm) over the eight weeks. That is 2.5 hours per week to make them better employers invested in your company and our region.

Summer Onboarding Program Registration

The program is limited to 50 participants. The program tuition is $150 per person for Roanoke Regional Partnership investors ($225 tuition for non-investors). If you are an individual interested in participating and don’t have a company to sponsor you, please fill out our scholarship application.

$325 VALUE – Fee includes a kick-off lunch, eight career and professional development facilitator-led events, one dinner, concert tickets, Salem Red Sox tickets, TreeTop Quest excursion, James River experience, and engaging activities all summer long. Send questions to Julia Boas.

Interested in Sponsoring Our Future Workforce?

We are looking for sponsors interested in hosting talent events, lunches, dinners, or outings. Please reach out to Julia Boas ASAP with interest. We can customize options and are flexible in regard to budget and scope.