Inspiring the Next Generation of Tech Professionals
On May 7th, the Knoxville Technology Council hosted a lunch-and-learn event at Bearden High School to connect companies with the 865 Academies program, which provides job shadows, capstone projects, guest speakers, and other experiences that give students hands-on exposure to careers in their chosen fields.
Our goal was to engage educators and potential industry partners with a solutions-oriented afternoon that inspired real action – and it delivered!
Over lunch, attendees learned about the 865 Academies program, the different Guaranteed Student Experiences (GSEs) it provides, and how companies can get involved.
Tanisha Fitzgerald-Baker, Workplace Culture and Engagement Manager at the Knoxville Utilities Board shared how KUB is providing GSEs and what companies can do to make it a seamless and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Emma Lee, IT Account Manager at Patriot Talent Solutions, led two Bearden High School students in a discussion about what their job shadow experiences meant to them. They both observed there was a lot more variety in the day-to-day job responsibilities than they expected.
Then came the real magic: we broke into small groups so Academy coaches and potential partners could sit down and talk through the exact needs at each high school. These one-on-one conversations gave everyone a chance to ask questions, discuss logistics, and start building partnerships on the spot.
What We've Achieved
Thanks to this event, ten companies have stepped up as new partners, and we’ve filled 98 of the 152 high-priority GSEs in tech pathways. That includes new commitments in coding, cybersecurity, and other technology pathways at multiple high schools. And we’re not done – follow-up meetings are underway, and our list of committed partners continues to grow.
The Impact Beyond the Numbers
The impact of this event was clear from the moment conversations started happening around the lunch tables. Academy coaches described the afternoon as “incredibly beneficial.” Sitting face-to-face eliminated the usual back-and-forth and helped them quickly find the best fit for each new partner.
For Windy Clayton, Partner Engagement Officer at the Knox Education Foundation, the value of these partnerships goes far beyond a single event. She described it as “a bridge” between Knoxville’s tech industry and the 865 Academies, adding, “we are creating real-life connections and experiences by opening doors for thousands of students to explore careers in fields that are shaping the future. Opportunities like this inspire, empower, and equip students to envision themselves in high-demand, high-tech pathways.”
That’s the core of what the 865 Academies are about – making sure every student gets the chance to explore real career options before they graduate. When partners show up with curiosity and commitment, like they did at this event, things start to click.
“Targeted partnership building is the key to the success of 865 Academies,” said Brad Corum, the 865 Academies Director at Knox County Schools. “Events like this help to ensure that we are concentrating strategic efforts towards this goal. The result is better student experiences for our students.”
Emma Lee, IT Account Manager at Patriot Talent Solutions, led two Bearden High School students in a discussion about what their job shadow experiences meant to them. They both observed there was a lot more variety in the day-to-day job responsibilities than they expected.
How You Can Get Involved
There are still 54 high-priority experiences left to fill, and thousands more are needed to fill all the tech pathways. Beyond that, opportunities are available in other areas of the 865 Academies program.
Whether you’re a small business, a growing startup, or a well-established company, you have something valuable to offer. Let’s work together to help students explore careers in tech and beyond.
Impacting Students in the 865 Photo Gallery
