The Washington Center (TWC) and University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) are partnering to pilot a new approach to career-connected learning: a three-day, on-campus Career Launch Bootcamp designed to equip students with the in-demand skills, networks and confidence to land that first job – without leaving their community.
This is TWC’s first career-launch program hosted outside of Washington, D.C. It’s built for equity, access, and regional impact—meeting early-career talent, employers and higher ed in their own backyard.
Participation is available to UNCG third- and fourth-year students at no cost, thanks to funding from UNCG’s Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Provost and a grant from The Reynolds Foundation.
Why a Regional Model, and Why Now?
Automation is reshaping entry-level work. Unemployment for 22–27-year-olds reached 6.6% in 2025 (WSJ), the highest since the pandemic, and over 40% of graduates are underemployed, working jobs that don’t require their degrees (NBC News). Too often, the default advice is “add credentials” or “move to a high-cost city.”
There’s a better way. Regional, community-anchored experiential learning lowers cost barriers, strengthens civic ties and keeps talent connected to local opportunity. Research points in the same direction: place-based internships boost job placement by ~20% over urban-only models (Strada, 2023) and reduce housing and transportation barriers (NASPA, 2024). And across TWC’s 2025 programs, 93% of participants gained clarity on career paths and 90% made new professional contacts, the kinds of outcomes that accelerate first-job success.
Bottom line: Students need experience – but they don’t need to leave their communities to get it.
This TWC program equipped me with the tools and knowledge to embark on my professional development journey.”
Jackie-Facia Foley
2024 TWC Bootcamp Participant
About the UNC Greensboro Career Launch Bootcamp
Dates: Friday to Sunday, October 24–26, 2025
Location: UNC Greensboro Elliott University Center (EUC)
Cost to Students: No cost to participants (funded by UNC Greensboro and local grant partners)
Format: Three days of hands-on workshops, employer engagement and local site visits
What you’ll gain (highlights):
- Strengths & Story: Identify your professional strengths with CliftonStrengths and translate them into a compelling brand.
- AI-Smart Job Search: Learn how AI shapes job boards, screening and interviews – and how to use it strategically (not passively).
- Stand-Out Materials: Sharpen resumes and cover letters that break through noise.
- Networking that Works: Build a durable peer and professional network – who, where and how to connect with purpose.
- Interview to Offer: Practice live scenarios to communicate value and negotiate salary/benefits with confidence.
- Employer Exposure: Engage regional and national leaders; participate in site visits to local employers.
How to Participate
Register your interest: Complete the short Interest Form. Students sharing their information will be first to hear about information sessions planned for the weeks ahead and registration deadline reminders.
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