A wearable robotic exoskeleton that has enabled more than 125 million steps around the world is helping one young man walk across the stage at his college graduation this week.

In May 2016, just weeks before his high school graduation, Khalil Watson was shot in the neck causing a devastating spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Instead of walking across the stage to receive his diploma from Highland Springs High School as he had planned, Watson streamed his graduation ceremony from a hospital bed.

Since his injury seven years ago, Watson—now 25—has worked tirelessly to regain his mobility and independence, relearning how to breathe, eat, speak, and care for himself. “One of my goals is to be as independent as possible,” Watson said. “When we started therapy after Khalil’s injury, he needed significant assistance for any mobility. Now, he is progressively increasing the amount of movement he can do on his own. Every time I see him, he masters a new skill,” added Christina Smith, PT, DPT, NCS, physical therapist at Sheltering Arms Institute.

Another one of Watson’s goals was to continue his education. In 2019, he began working on his associate degree in pre-social work from Reynolds Community College. “Helping people is something that I’m passionate about,” Watson said about why it was important for him to earn his degree. “Going through what I’ve had to go through and am still going through makes it easier for me to connect with people who are either going through a similar situation or worse.”

On Monday, two of Watson’s therapists at Sheltering Arms Institute will help him utilize cutting-edge robotic technology to walk across the stage and receive his diploma, a walk seven years in the making. “Being able to walk across the stage will mean everything to me, especially since I wasn’t able to do so in high school. I can finally say all of my hard work has paid off,” Watson said.

This fall, Watson plans to transfer to VCU to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.

On Monday, May 1, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg will begin the application period for its third annual WomenRise scholarship program, which empowers single mothers to work toward a post-secondary degree or credential without the burden of childcare expenses.

The scholarships help cover the cost of childcare while mothers pursue a range of degrees and certifications, including elementary education, nursing, and accounting.

Last year, 23 local single mothers received a total of $185,000 in WomenRise childcare scholarships, an approximate increase of 280% from year one, thanks to fundraising efforts.

Virginia is ranked 10th in the nation for the most expensive childcare, with Child Care Aware of Virginia reporting an average cost of $14,577 per year. This equates to 47% of the state median income of a single parent.

“WomenRise exists to help overcome some of the obstacles, such as the cost of childcare, that prevent single mothers from reaching their educational and career goals,” said Sammie McCabe, Director of Major Gifts at United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “We look forward to meeting the 2023 class and seeing all they accomplish for themselves and their families.”

WomenRise scholarships are available on an annual basis to local single mothers, with an application process every spring. The scholarships cover the cost of direct care services per child during the time the mother is enrolled in classes or a training program. Scholarships are paid directly to the childcare provider.

The program has helped mothers like Jasmine Phanelson, a 2022 WomenRise recipient and recent graduate. “I was able to accomplish my LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) goal this past year because of my WomenRise scholarship,” said Jasmine “This award has allowed me to focus on my goals and cut back on the hours I was working.” Jasmine is continuing her studies to become a Registered Nurse that works with underserved communities.

This volunteer-led program is managed by members of United Way’s local Women United giving community. Women United members lead this program by fundraising, awarding scholarships, planning events, and providing encouragement and support to WomenRise scholarship recipients.

To apply, applicants must:

• Be a single female head of household with custody of at least one child
• Be enrolled or have plans to enroll in an education or career training program that is at least 40 hours and that results in a degree or credential
• Have an annual income of $60,000 or less
• Reside in the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg region (Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond)
• Use a licensed or voluntary registered childcare provider

The application period runs through May 31. United Way will announce scholarship decisions this summer.

To learn more about the WomenRise program and to apply, visit www.yourunitedway.org/program/womenrise/.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels are looking to hire part-time, game-day positions for the upcoming baseball season. The team has three upcoming job fairs for interested candidates to fill out applications and find out information about available positions.

Positions are available in food & beverage, ticketing and operations for the team’s home games from April through September. Information on the Flying Squirrels’ upcoming job fairs can be found here. The 2023 game schedule can be found here.

The job fairs will take place at The Diamond (3001 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23230) on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 8, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 30, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Available positions include:

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• Cashiers
• Food Runners
• Line Cooks
• Prep Cooks
• Banquet Servers
• Dishwashers
• Fry Cooks
• Warehouse Runners

TICKETING

• Ticket Scanners
• Ticket Sellers

OPERATIONS

• Clean Team

Questions regarding game-day positions with the Flying Squirrels can be directed to [email protected].

The Flying Squirrels open the 2023 on Friday, April 7 against the Reading Fightin Phils. Individual-game tickets, including tickets for Opening Night, are available now online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.