Search

STEP-UP Chattanooga: Enriching Business and Our Workforce


STEP-UP Chattanooga offers paid summer internships for Hamilton County high school students who face the greatest barriers to economic and career success. STEP-UP Chattanooga connects businesses with the next generation of talented and diverse workers, provides critical work-ready training and hands-on experience for young people, and builds a stronger workforce for our knowledge-based global economy. 

STEP-UP Chattanooga works with organizations to determine areas needing support, ensuring each business receives an intern skilled and interested in the work.

Participants in STEP-UP Chattanooga’s Internship program:

  • Expand talent pipeline
  • Bring fresh ideas, energy and creativity
  • Provide extra help for company projects at minimal cost

STEP-UP Chattanooga changes the trajectory of student lives by giving them the experience necessary to build vital skills needed for 21st century careers. Since its creation in 2016, STEP-UP has placed more than 350 high school students from Hamilton County schools in paid internships, generating more than $500,000 in wages.

STEP-UP Chattanooga will place 150 students in internships this summer with the help of large and small companies and nonprofits. Throughout the experience, students receive support from STEP-UP staff and supervisors at their place of employment.

The program needs 40 more internship positions to reach their goal. 

Internships last 6-8 weeks during June and July, and interns work 20 to 40 hours per week based on the organization’s needs.

Find out first-hand how a STEP-UP intern can positively impact your business and how you can enrich a young person’s life by partnering with STEP-UP this summer.

Contact Jeff Rector at [email protected] or visit stepupchattanooga.org.


“STEP-UP has opened up various work and internship opportunities; allowing me to gain insight into the corporate world – something I would be unlikely to do at my age without the program. Through STEP-UP I've also been able to make connections with amazing people who will likely be of great help to me in preparation for the future.” ­­

– Louis Ramirez, STEP-UP Intern who worked with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

“Our STEP-UP intern was a delight to work with this summer. He always came to work on time and dressed neatly with a smile ready for the day. His work presence with his co-workers was amazing and everyone enjoyed having him on the team because he was so appreciative of the opportunity and eager to always learn more.”

– De’Ronda Hubbard, Visitor Services Assistant Manager, Tennessee Aquarium

Other Topics

The views expressed in this article represent the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, its staff, or its board of directors. As the Scott L. Probasco, Jr., Distinguished…

Diversify 2025 explored strategies for advancing diversity in business, with Juanita McDowell’s S.T.I.C.K.Y.™ program inspiring smarter goal setting and sustainable success.

On Wednesday, June 4, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full house of approximately 150 community members to the Finley Stadium Ultra Club for its annual Legislative Wrap Up. The event featured a panel discussion with three members…

The Chamber’s Protégé and Leadership programs get leaders thinking about the city’s future—and how they can be part of its growth. Attracting and retaining top talent requires more than offering competitive salaries, benefits, and fun perks. It means creating opportunities…

At Tiny Tigers Learning Center, LaShon Carter makes sure everyone gets an education. LaShon Carter has always been an educator at heart. But she never imagined it would take the shape of childcare. Carter grew up around daycare, watching her…

Over the last 12 months, Shappi - a three-year-old startup - has delivered more than $5 million in products to more than 300 locations and thousands of customers in South America. Described as the logistics-travel equivalent of Uber or Airbnb,…

Sign up for weekly updates.