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.