At Right Moves For Youth (RMFY), we believe that exposure is a powerful tool for empowering students to dream bigger and achieve more. That belief was in action recently when we took a group of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools middle school students on a workplace exposure tour to Albemarle Corporation’s Kings Mountain site. This experience was more than just a field trip—it was an eye-opening journey into the world of geology, renewable energy development, and the many career possibilities within these growing industries.

For many of these students, the words “geology” or “renewable energy” might have seemed abstract or distant. But thanks to Albemarle Corporation, those concepts came to life as our students toured the facility, met with professionals, and learned how elements from the earth are used to power our modern world. They discovered how geology is critical to finding and refining materials essential for renewable energy, like lithium used in electric vehicle batteries.

One of the most powerful aspects of this visit was the opportunity for students to see people thriving in these careers and to imagine themselves following similar paths. They asked thoughtful questions about the skills and education required, and they left with new ideas about their own potential futures.

Opening Doors to the Future

Middle school is a pivotal time in a young person’s development, and yet, opportunities for career exploration are often limited at this age. That’s why RMFY is intentional about introducing our students to environments and experiences that broaden their perspectives and challenge their assumptions about what’s possible.

At RMFY, career exploration is one of the key pillars of our group mentoring program. We want students to not only dream but also create actionable plans to achieve their goals. This workplace exposure tour is just one example of how we help students think beyond their everyday norms and consider pathways to success they may not have known existed.

Gratitude for Partners Who Invest in Youth

This transformative experience wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and partnership of Albemarle Corporation. Their team didn’t just open their doors—they invested their time and expertise to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.

By expanding our students’ horizons and helping them connect their education to real-world careers, Albemarle Corporation helped create an experience that will leave a lasting impact on our students’ lives.

At RMFY, we know that it takes a village to inspire and equip young people for success. We’re grateful for Albemarle’s support and look forward to continuing to provide these life-changing opportunities for the students we serve.

Looking Ahead

As RMFY continues to support students across Charlotte-Mecklenburg, we are committed to fostering curiosity, ambition, and resilience. Whether it’s through career exploration, academic support, or group mentoring, we are here to help students navigate their inner journeys and outer bonds.

If you’d like to get involved—whether by sharing your story with our mentoring groups or offering workplace exposure opportunities for our students—please reach out to our Program Director at drankin@rightmovesforyouth.org You can help more youth see their potential and build their futures.