Stafford County’s Start on Success (SOS) program, a joint initiative between Stafford County Government and Stafford County Public Schools, has received a 2025 Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Award. The SOS program provides part-time government jobs to students with disabilities, helping them gain work experience and build confidence. This year, the award was given to 57 winners out of 155 applicants.
“There is no worthier goal than helping our disabled students reach their full potential,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Deuntay Diggs. “I am very proud of all the staff from the schools and local government who coordinated this program, particularly the employees who mentored these students one-on-one. Most importantly, I am proud of the students who participated and showed how they can exceed expectations.”
“Start on Success builds confidence, nurtures independence, and opens doors that have too often been closed to students with disabilities,” said School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund. “The program gives students a space to shine, not just in theory but in practice—alongside mentors who support and believe in them. The real success of this program is not just in the award, but in the stories of students who discovered new skills, found a sense of purpose and left feeling prepared for what comes next. We are so proud of them and deeply grateful to our partners in county government who make these meaningful experiences possible.”
In Stafford County during the 2023-24 school year, public schools enrolled about 31,700 students according to state data (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Of those enrolled that year, white students made up nearly 39% while Hispanic students accounted for almost one-quarter (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). About 21% qualified as Students with Disabilities under either a 504 Plan or an IEP.
Students with disabilities often encounter obstacles accessing standard career exploration opportunities like internships or career fairs which typically target general education populations. To address this gap locally, SOS pairs each student with a government employee mentor based on individual strengths and interests. Departments involved include Utilities and Animal Shelter among others.
The SOS program began three years ago; nine students have participated so far over its first two years. One student secured employment at the Animal Shelter after his internship while another gained graphic design samples for her portfolio.
Brooke Point High School reported the highest enrollment among county schools last year with over 2,200 students (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home), while Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers had more than half of all pre-kindergarten enrollments countywide (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
More information about Start on Success is available online.
