17 Jun Celebrating NextGen’s Class of 2026: In-School Youth Students Recognized at End-of-Year Event
When students join the NextGen In-School Youth (ISY) program, they expect career guidance, resume support, and workplace preparation. What many discover is a network of mentors and peers that stays with them long after graduation.
Charlotte Works hosted the annual End-of-Year Student Acknowledgement Event on June 17 at the Mahlon Adams Pavilion at Freedom Park, honoring the achievements of recent high school graduates as they prepare for their next chapter. This year, the program celebrates 33 graduating seniors, with 20 students attending the event in person.
Program Manager Omar Parkes opened the ceremony by welcoming families, staff, and community members representing West Charlotte, Harding University, Garinger, and Julius L. Chambers High Schools.
The event began with a student recognition ceremony, where graduating seniors were invited to say a few words by their Career Advisors. Students reflected on their experiences in the program, shared plans for the future, and thanked the advisors who supported them throughout high school. As students spoke about their journeys, it was clear that NextGen had become more than a workforce development program. For many, it provided mentorship, opportunities for personal growth, and experiences that helped shape their goals after graduation. For Avery, a graduate of Harding University High School, NextGen provided encouragement and accountability during an important stage of life, “NextGen was good for me. I joined late in my junior year, so I didn’t get to do any internships just because I was already working. But Mr. Ashton Glenn made sure that everything was good with my school and made sure I was doing good. Now, I’m going to Gaston College to be a psychologist.”
Graduates reflected on lessons learned through internships, friendships formed within the program, memorable college tours, and the confidence they gained while preparing for life after high school.
The Class of 2026 is pursuing a wide range of paths. Graduates announced plans to attend NC State, Winston-Salem State University, UNC Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, Johnson C. Smith University, East Carolina University, Central Piedmont Community College, and Gaston College. Others shared plans to enlist in the military, attend aviation school, or relocate abroad.
To close the formal program, Anna London, President and CEO of Charlotte Works, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to recognize the significance of their accomplishments. She reminded students that earning a diploma is an achievement that can never be taken away and emphasized that they will always remain part of the NextGen community.
For Logan, a graduate of Julius L. Chambers High School, NextGen helped him discover opportunities and build a clear path toward his future. “My experience with NextGen, it was a different kind of program. It opened us up to opportunities that I never thought we’d have.” This fall, Logan will attend Hampton University to study aviation flight education. He said the program helped him explore career options, identify his major, and navigate the college application process. “NextGen allowed me to get the resources that I needed. They helped me find out what I wanted to major in, how to take those next steps, and research what college I needed to go to and apply to in order to study my major.”
For Khloe, a graduate of Julius L. Chambers High School, NextGen expanded her exposure to new experiences and strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in healthcare.” My experience with NextGen, I would say was pretty cool, amazing. I got opportunities in NextGen that I didn’t get opportunities in other programs—field trips and stuff. I saw stuff I’ve never seen before, experienced stuff I’ve never seen before, and learned stuff I didn’t even know. My plans in the fall are attending North Carolina A&T or UNC Greensboro, and I will be majoring in biology because I want to be an ultrasound technician.”
Together, the graduates of the NextGen Class of 2026 reflect the impact of the program across Charlotte’s schools and communities. Their achievements highlight what is possible when students are connected to opportunity, guidance, and a strong support system as they prepare for life after high school.
Congratulations to the graduates, we are so proud of you!
