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.
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.
During a media day on campus July 30 featuring program participants, TSU officials, and representatives from the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, the benefits of the TYEP—particularly the mentoring opportunities for students and the partnership with the university—were emphasized.
“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.”
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.”
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.
Media day also included Christopher Cribbs, TSU’s dean of Student Services; Caryn Clopton, project manager of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee; and Terry Williams, Jr., coordinator of the TSU Career Development Center, who all highlighted the program’s success in fostering professional growth among TSU students.
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.