Suggestions Welcome! Every year BASICS works with both the schools and businesses to evaluate the current programs and develop other programs that we feel will most benefit the county students with career development.  The BASICS steering committee is always open to feedback and ideas that will either continue or better improve our current programs.

Youth Leadership Bedford County
(10th Grade)

YLBC is a BASICS program designed to endow youth with the knowledge, experiences and ability to become confident leaders while giving them the opportunity to explore Bedford County.  Students from all Bedford County school districts are selected through an application/interview process. After a three-day team building retreat, they gather monthly to explore various aspects of the community, meeting business leaders and working together on a service project.

Educator in the Workplace
(All Grades)

Teachers, counselors and administrators are encouraged to spend time in a business environment in order to better relate to their students the relevance of their education to their future. The Chamber Foundation provides such unique experiences through Educator in the Workplace.  These day-long tours, featuring numerous local businesses give educators the chance to see local businesses in action, meet with employers and learn what it takes to get, keep and thrive in area employment opportunities.

Pursuit of Excellence Work Ethic Initiative
(Elementary/3rd Grade)

In response to suggestions by area employers, the Bedford County Chamber Foundation has launched a unique initiative with the aim of providing elementary student with positive work ethic messages.  The Pursuit of Excellence program will begin in 2015 with the publication of a children's book geared toward 3rd grade students.  The book, featuring a pair of raccoon mascots created by local artist, David Mowry, will weave a story of excellence featuring many local businesses.

Steps to Success - Enhancing Job Opportunities 
(9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades)

Steps to Success is geared to high school students who are entering the workforce in any setting. The program focuses on: how to obtain a job, how to keep a job, how to be an excellent employee, and how to provide superior customer service. The program format offers video presentations, guest speakers, skits, team building activities and a mini job fair.

Community Reading Day
(Elementary/2nd Grade)

This program fosters literacy and builds a connection between elementary students and the business community. Volunteers from local companies visit each 2nd grade classroom in Bedford County. They read a book aloud to the class and discuss with students the value of literacy in their occupations.  Books are left in each classroom and each student receives a bookmark. 

Bedford County Scholastic Quiz
(Jr/Sr High School)

The Bedford County Scholastic Quiz competition, for senior high and junior high students from each Bedford County school district, allows the students to come together to compete against one another in an academic competition.

Entrepreneur Contest
(Sr High School)

An exciting new program of BASICS, the area's first high school Entrepreneur Contest will begin in Fall 2015 with the final program taking place in the beginning of 2016. Stay tuned for more information on this fun, educational contest, patterned loosely after the popular TV program, "Shark Tank."