To begin the TN-CAPS effort, six regional areas were chosen throughout the state to pilot the system. Thank you to the chambers, businesses, and educational partners already participating in our six pilot communities, which are:
- Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
- Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce
- Collierville Partners in Education
- Jackson Chamber of Commerce
- Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
- Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
At the heart of the TN-CAPS pilots, local Chambers and businesses across the state are stepping up to identify workforce needs, provide information and feedback for the lessons, and offer time, talents, and resources to bring careers into classrooms. Once launched, the rest of the state will have access and new businesses will be added on a rolling basis.
“In Bradley County, we are excited to be a part of the pilot for TN-CAPS. We believe that this system will enhance our efforts and provide further connections for our schools to local career opportunities for our students," said
Mike Griffin, President and CEO, Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber.
"It will be an instrumental tool for our local businesses and spur economic development by ensuring our future workforce is prepared for local jobs available.”
Over 65 companies throughout Tennessee have completed surveys to date, and indicated their willingness to get involved with educators and students in a broad array of activities. A few examples include:
- DENSO Manufacturing in Athens will provide curriculum support and experiential learning programs for all grade levels.
- FedEx Services in Collierville will provide in-person and virtual guest speakers for high school classrooms.
- Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga will provide virtual field trips to students in high school.
- Stanley Black & Decker in Jackson will provide paid internships, apprenticeships, or co-ops to eligible students in grades 9 through 12.
- Domtar Paper Company in Kingsport will provide volunteer opportunities and mentorship to middle and high school students.
- Nissan in Smyrna will provide learning opportunities to middle and high schoolers such as job shadowing, externships, and internships.
All of these companies indicated that they would also support
career fairs and
one-day field trips, as well as many other suggested engagement options like
video or picture uploads, resume reviews, project feedback, interview preparation, sponsorships, and product or equipment donations.
Educators are also excited and eager for the TN-CAPS pilot launch in January in the pilot areas when they will have access to lesson plans incorporating localized career-in-classroom opportunities for their students.
"Our biggest motivator for bringing TN-CAPS to Jackson is the ability to help students make connections with the postsecondary opportunities that exist within our community. We are excited about continuing to educate our students on the many options they have for future careers in our county and region," said
Dr. Jared Myracle, Chief Academic Officer, Jackson-Madison County School System
. "Our local career readiness plan, LAUNCH, places a heavy emphasis on career exploration in elementary and middle schools so that students are positioned to begin obtaining college credits and industry certifications towards a path of their choosing when they enter high school."
