TSU Students Gain Valuable Experience Through Urban League’s Youth Employment Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Twenty-One Tennessee State University students participated in the Urban League of Middle Tennessee’s Tennessee Youth Employment Program (TYEP), working on campus from May to July, earning $16 an hour while gaining valuable real-world experience and mentorship in various departments and offices.

Dr. Bridgett Golman, right, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Frank Bouyer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at the Urban League, talk to program participant Aayusha Dhungana about her experience working in the Office of the Vice President. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Urban League’s TYEP is recognized as one of the nation’s largest youth employment programs. It connects young individuals ages 14 to 24 with career exploration and paid-work opportunities. This summer, TSU students engaged in meaningful positions across campus. They included Reilly McMillan, who worked in the Ralph Boston Wellness Center; Mariah Brown, Residence Life; Aayusha Dhungana, the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs; and Jarius Sampson, the Career Development Center.

Reilly McMillan gained valuable real-world experience working in the Ralph Boston Wellness Center. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Recently, program participants, TSU officials, and representatives from the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, met to discuss the benefits of the TYE, particularly the mentoring opportunities for students and the partnership with the university.

“This program allowed me to gain skills related to my major while staying on campus,” said McMillan, a junior biology major from Nashville. “The convenience of working and taking classes at the same time was truly beneficial, and I valued the chance to collaborate with new peers and learn something new every day. The Urban League made it easy to balance my work with my academic commitments, which was a huge help.”

Jarius Sampson says his assignment in the career Development Center helped to further improve his skills. (photo by Aaron Grayson)

Brown, a senior graphic design major from Indianapolis, said, “This opportunity significantly boosted my design portfolio and has given me the experience I need to build a reputation in my field. It also allowed me to prove my skills while being mentored along the way.”

Dr. Bridgett Golman, TSU’s vice president for Student Affairs, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact. “This partnership with the Urban League has enabled us to employ over 35 students and provide them with professional experiences that help bridge the gap during transitional summer months,” she stated. “The TYEP is not just about employment; it’s about fostering the next generation of professionals in a supportive environment.”

Following Dr. Golman’s remarks, Frank Bouyer, vice president for Education and Workforce Development at the Urban League, elaborated on the significance of this partnership. “Our collaboration with TSU is paramount,” Bouyer emphasized. “It allows us to work closely with students and provide them with essential skills and experiences in a supportive environment. This partnership ensures that these young people are equipped for the future. We understand the unique challenges they face, and we are committed to bridging those gaps and creating pathways to success.”

While the entire cohort was not available for the discussion, those present said the gathering gave them the chance to thank TSU and the Urban League for the opportunity. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Aayusha Dhungana, a sophomore computer science major from Nepal, recounted her unique experience working under the Vice President of Student Affairs. “I had the chance to assist with a presentation for the TSU Board of Trustees, which was an incredible learning opportunity,” she said. “The experience provided me with direct insight into the professional environment and helped me develop my skills in presentation preparation, which is relevant to my major. I was honored to contribute to the board’s meeting preparation.”

Sampson, a senior mass communications major from Atlanta, emphasized the professional growth he achieved while working at the Career Development Center. “I was able to gain a lot of professional experience through my role,” he noted. “My tasks involved marketing and branding efforts to increase student engagement with the Career Development Center. This experience taught me how to interact with professionals in a work setting and helped me develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills that I will carry into my future career.”

Other student participants in the TYEP were Chrishonda O’Quinn, graduate student; Darryl Altidor, agriculture; Anita Patrick-Ogbu, nursing; KyLan Bowers, criminal justice; Jacarys Braxton, fashion merchandizing; Chance Brown, psychology; Cherish Coleman, agricultural science; Arden Gilmore, commercial music; Grace Golman, architectural engineering; and Jayla Kelly, biology. Also participating in the program were Christopher Neely, architectural engineering; Dependra Pandey, computer science; DuJuan Sharp, Ag Business; Jamicah Sykes, molecular biology; Emori Thompson, health science; Kimora Williams, biology; David Nyenwe, economics and finance; Jaden Dublin, human performance and sport science; Jordan Headen, family and consumer science; and Gregory E. Robinson.

For more information about the Office of Student Affairs, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/campus_life/contact.aspx

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.