Germanna Community College and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Announce Partnership to Enhance Career Opportunities for Students

For Immediate Release
May 1, 2025

Fredericksburg, VA – Germanna Community College and Rappahannock Goodwill Industries (RGI) launched a new partnership today with a special event at the Fredericksburg Area Campus, highlighting a shared dedication to strengthening job placement and internship opportunities for students. Through this collaboration, Germanna students will be connected with local employers and gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

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Germanna and RGI are launching a cohort-based internship program, providing students with real-world experience and direct pathways to employment. Beginning this spring, RGI will manage up to four cohorts per semester, each consisting of up to 20 students participating in an eight-week paid internship with local businesses. Additionally, RGI will provide comprehensive career services, including pre-internship workshops, employer recruitment, and ongoing support for students and businesses.

“This partnership is the first of its kind in the state,” said Dr. Janet Gullickson, president of Germanna Community College, in her opening remarks. “And it marks a significant step in Germanna’s commitment to student success and a strong local workforce. Our academic programs equip students with in-demand skills, and this collaboration ensures they have the opportunities to apply those skills in meaningful, career-building roles.”

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Beyond internships, the partnership will expand job placement efforts, with a goal of securing 140 full-time positions for Germanna graduates. By bridging the gap between education and employment, Germanna and RGI are not only supporting students but also strengthening the local economy by retaining skilled professionals.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with Rappahannock Goodwill’s mission to create employment opportunities and empower individuals through work,” said Steve Cox, President and CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries. “By providing real-world experiences and direct career placements, we are helping Germanna students transition seamlessly into the workforce while ensuring that local businesses benefit from their talents.”

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Germanna and RGI have a longstanding history of collaboration, and this latest initiative builds upon past efforts to support workforce development in the region. By leveraging RGI’s extensive experience in employment services and Germanna’s commitment to academic and career success, the partnership promises to create lasting benefits for students, employers, and the broader community.

Leslie Diaz Ortiz, Coordinator of Career and Transfer Services at Germanna, emphasized the broader impact of this initiative, stating, “By prioritizing work-based learning and career readiness, this collaboration not only prepares students for successful careers but also fosters greater equity in workforce opportunities.”

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Additional remarks were given by Megan Collier and Lincoln Kwok, Germanna students who have benefited from the College’s internship placement.

“I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2019, and I was looking for work” says Megan. “I was having an impossible time landing a job in my field. After waiting tables and working various odd jobs, I knew my only shot at breaking out of the service industry was to go back to school.”

Megan enrolled in classes at Germanna and connected with the College’s Career & Transfer Center to apply for an internship.

"I landed an internship with Mary Washington Healthcare, which led to a job offer. It’s not my final destination, but it was a major first step. After so many closed doors, all I needed was one ‘yes.’ The Career & Transfer team opened that door—and it changed my life."

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The launch event welcomed a distinguished group of attendees, including representatives from Congressman Eugene Vindman’s office, Mary Washington Healthcare, Cedar Mountain Stone, the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, the local college board, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, Atlantic Union Bank, Atlantic Builders, the Fredericksburg Field House, Bingham & Taylor, Encompass Community Supports, and Independent Electrical Contractors, along with representatives from both Germanna and RGI.

To learn more about the Germanna and RGI partnership, visit germanna.edu or contact the Career & Transfer Center at careerandtransfer@germanna.edu.

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About Germanna Community College
Established in 1970 as part of the Virginia Community College System, Germanna Community College provides quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. The college is committed to preparing students for successful careers and lifelong learning. Learn more at germanna.edu.

About Rappahannock Goodwill Industries
Since 1966, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries has been a leader in workforce development, connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities. Serving 16 localities in Central Virginia, RGI supports thousands of job seekers annually through training, job placement, and career advancement programs. Learn more at fredgoodwill.org.

Media Contacts:

Germanna Community College
William Berry, Director of Marketing and Recruitment
(540) 834-1019
wberry@germanna.edu

Rappahannock Goodwill Industries
Sofia De Hoyos, Senior Director of Marketing
info@fredgoodwill.org