Tennessee State University Partners with Urban League to Provide Meaningful Internships to Students

Twenty-one students from Tennessee State University participated in the Tennessee Youth Employment Program (TYEP) sponsored by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee. From May to July, these students worked on campus in various departments and offices, earning $16 an hour and gaining valuable real-world experience and mentorship. The program is recognized as one of the nation's largest youth employment programs, connecting young individuals with career exploration and paid-work opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• The TYEP program provides students with real-world experience, mentorship, and a stipend of $16 an hour, allowing them to gain valuable skills and build their professional portfolios.
• The partnership between Tennessee State University and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee enabled the employment of over 35 students, providing them with professional experiences that help bridge the gap during transitional summer months.
• The program is not just about employment, but about fostering the next generation of professionals in a supportive environment, with a focus on building essential skills and experiences.
• Students who participated in the program, such as Reilly McMillan, Mariah Brown, and Jarius Sampson, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to gain skills related to their major, learn something new every day, and balance their work with their academic commitments.
• The program also highlighted the importance of mentorship, with students having the chance to work under the Vice President of Student Affairs, Assist with a presentation for the TSU Board of Trustees, and gain experience in presentation preparation.
• The partnership between TSU and the Urban League is crucial, as it allows them to work closely with students, provide them with essential skills and experiences, and bridge the gaps and create pathways to success.

Statistics:

• 21 students from Tennessee State University participated in the TYEP program.
• The students worked on campus from May to July, earning $16 an hour.
• The program is recognized as one of the nation's largest youth employment programs.
• The partnership between TSU and the Urban League enabled the employment of over 35 students.
• The students gained valuable real-world experience and mentorship through the program.

Sources:

• Tennessee State University
• The State of Tennessee
• Urban League of Middle Tennessee
• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• TSU's Dean of Student Services, Christopher Cribbs, Caryn Clopton, project manager of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, and Terry Williams, Jr., coordinator of the TSU Career Development Center