High School and College Students Complete County Career Program

The Prince William County Department of Facilities & Fleet Management (FFM) recently recognized 16 students during a completion ceremony for their participation in the 2024 FFM Career Exploration Program. This program provides high school and college students with exposure to potential careers in county government. 

The participating students, who came from eight county high schools and Caltech University, engaged in a two-week intensive career exploration program. The program focused on introducing the students to careers within FFM as well as opportunities in other key county agencies, including the County Board of Supervisors, the Office of Executive Management, Human Resources, Economic Development and Emergency Management. 

During the graduation ceremony, County Executive Chris Shorter expressed his gratitude to the students for participating in the summer program and to the parents, teachers, and guidance counselors who supported them.  

Shorter told the students that working for the county was a career, not just a job.   

“I know that you don’t have it all figured out yet. But as you think about this experience and what you’ve learned over these past two weeks, what I would ask is that you think about and consider joining Prince William County government or any level of government. We need really smart, really talented young professionals,” Shorter said.  

In their two weeks with the county, the students explored the four major FFM divisions, including buildings and grounds, facilities construction and management, fleet management and property management. This exposure introduced them to a total of 50 different careers. 

Facilities and Fleet Management director Matt Villareale also thanked the students for spending time with the county.   

“I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on your visits to the division and the experience that you had, so I’m really happy that you participated in this program,” Villareale said. “Summer is short. You only get six weeks and you spent two of them with us and we really do appreciate that.”  

Brycen Curtis, a Class of 2026 Woodbridge Senior High School student, said he might consider a career with the county.  

“It was amazing,” Curtis said of the two-week program. “It’s important for kids our age to figure out what they want to do, and this is a great place to do that. I think honestly that it gave me a clearer idea of what I want to do in the future, whether I want to go to college or start working immediately. This is a great place, a great avenue.”   

Brycen’s mother, Lavon Curtis, praised the program.  

“I’ve heard great things about the program and how impactful it can be for our youth,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to explore and understand how Prince William County government works in multiple facets.”   

Program participants included Michael Akabuno, Giuliano Artonio, Brycen Curtis, John Eckman, Marlyn Ferrufino., Giudici Franco, Jaylin Hart, Alex Jackson, Ayse Karati, Sean Kelley, Matilda Lee, Henry Lopez, Mark Lovett, Giovanni Mason, and Ama Obeng.