How does STEP-UP Chattanooga benefit students?
STEP-UP Chattanooga allows students to explore career interests, gain valuable work readiness training and on-the-job experience in a professional work environment, earn up to $2,000 over the summer, and become better prepared for future careers or college.
How does the STEP-UP Chattanooga program work?
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School Counselors and College & Career Advisors recommend students with: good attendance, on-track to graduate, positive behavior.
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Students complete a STEP-UP online application. Our 2024-2025 application for new and returning students is open.
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Students who completed the application process are contacted by STEP-UP Chattanooga about next steps.
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Applicants participate in mandated work-readiness training, mock interviews and networking activities.
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Interns are matched with jobs based on their skills and interest, and the needs of the employer.
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Interns are interviewed and hired by their employer.
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Summer interns work at their summer job from June to early-August and earn competitive wages.
Who's eligible to participate in STEP-UP Chattanooga?
Ambitious students who are: (1) currently enrolled in a Hamilton County high school with positive behavior; (2) will be 16 by June 1, 2025; (3) have financial need OR on free/reduced lunch; (4) have good school attendance record. For other eligibility questions, contact D'Wauna Young at dyoung@pefchattanooga.org.
How do students apply for STEP-UP?
Please see For Interns page. The online application for our 2025 summer program is now open for returning students and newly-nominated students. For more information, contact D'Wauna Young at 423-668-2431 or dyoung@pefchattanooga.org.
What is Work Readiness Training?
Work Readiness training is a critical part of the STEP-UP Chattanooga experience that provides interns with the skills they need to be successful in their summer internships and future job searches. This required training includes:
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Creating strong résumés
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Dressing properly for any job opportunity
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Communicating professionally with supervisors and co-workers
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Responsible use of technology
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The essentials of building a professional network
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Preparing for successful job interviews (each participant does a mock interview with a business professional)
What are STEP-UP Site Visits?
STEP-UP Chattanooga coordinates with local businesses and organizations to provide tours of their companies for student groups. The Site Visits/tours range from 2 to 4 hours (depending on the company). These site visits are not limited to the students who have applied online. They are open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. After the tour, we provide STEP-UP Chattanooga work-readiness training and lunch at our PEF office. We work within your school’s bell schedule so you can transport your students to the companies, to PEF, and back to school in time for dismissal. We hope your College and Career Advisor would like to schedule dates for your school. For more details, please contact Dr. Jeff Rector at Jrector@pefchattanooga.org.
Can students participate in other summer activities while in STEP-UP?
Yes. STEP-UP Chattanooga internships will be paying part-time jobs (at least 20 hours) that generally take place on weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm. A student's ability to get a job will be limited if they have other daytime commitments, however, we make every effort to accommodate intern schedules.
How are student interns matched with jobs?
Interns are matched with jobs based on their interests, skills, and availability. We do our best to match interns with their work preferences. Students may not get their 1st choice, however, all jobs are relevant and will give students valuable experience in developing transferable skills. All STEP-UP Chattanooga students will be employed by companies and organizations that require them to be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Are interns employed by STEP-UP Chattanooga?
STEP-UP Chattanooga is not the official employer. Most interns are hired directly by the company with which they are placed. If concerns arise and a student is unable to resolve these issues, or needs additional support, contact STEP-UP staff for assistance.