MEMPHIS COMPANIES HOST TEACHERS THIS SUMMER IN GREATER MEMPHIS CHAMBER’S TEACHER EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM 17 companies host 18 local high school teachers to increase STEM degrees

MEMPHIS, TN Friday, June 28, 2024 The Greater Memphis Chamber has kicked-off summer break by embedding 18 local high school teachers at 17 companies for two weeks to strengthen connections between classrooms and companies as part of its Teacher Externship Program. In its third year, the program is aimed at strengthening local talent pipelines into high-demand careers and industries with additional emphasis on stem related roles. In its Prosper Memphis 2030 strategic plan, the Chamber set a goal of awarding 20,000 STEM degrees and credentials annually. The Teacher Externship Program gives teacher externs a $2,500 stipend, a $200 gift card for classroom supplies and a deeper understanding of job opportunities and workforce needs that they can share with their students. Teacher externs were chosen in a competitive application process and placed with a company that mirrors their subject areas. Over the course of two weeks (64 hours) between now and the end of July, they will participate in job shadowing, facilities tours, and other hands-on, job-related activities. “Our program has garnered national recognition as a solution to the talent gap and a means to develop our workforce pipeline,” stated Ted Townsend, President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “This initiative has significantly benefited both our educators and employers. Most importantly, it has provided students with invaluable insights into the opportunities available in our community and how to prepare for them.” The following teacher externs are participating in the 2024 program: Valerie Coleman
- White Station High School Nadia Abrego
- Crosstown High School Jarianna Bates
- Sheffield High School Ryan Pryor
- Crosstown High School Renita Bryant
- Memphis School of Excellence Cassandra Jones
- Southwind High School Britney Taylor
- Memphis Business Academy DeShon Brown
- Freedom Preparatory School Torrey Lewis
- Cordova High School Brittany Latham
- Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering Shelley Cox
- Crosstown High School Eric Winfrey
- Ridgeway IB Middle LaTausha Brown
- MLK College Prep High School Jullie Wallace
- East High School Matthew Davis
- Collegiate School of Memphis Micah Davis-Bowen
Bolton – Agri-STEM High School Tyrone Smith
- White Station High School Jennie Willingham
- White Haven High School The following companies have signed-up to host a teacher extern in 2024: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Cigna Cummins Dunavant Flintco International Paper Lehman Roberts Lonestar Truck Group Memphis Shelby County Airport MLGW Nucor Peabody Hotel Regional One Riviana Foods Transnetyx Turner Construction Varsity Spirit Click here to watch a video that captured the experience of last year’s Teacher Externship. -MEMPHIS- About The Greater Memphis Chamber One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.