Central High School senior Makenlee Cox recently had the opportunity to showcase her graphic design skills during an internship with the KUB TeenWork program, a partner of the Knox County Schools’ 865 Academies initiative.
Cox was drawn to the TeenWork program to gain valuable, real-world experience and enhance her resume for college applications.
The KUB TeenWork program provided students with monthly sessions on essential career skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and professional attire.
Participants also took part in field trips and learned about KUB’s operations and its business partners, including Covenant Health, West Knox Utilities, First Utility District, and the Knoxville Chamber, offering insights into various career paths.
“It was such a great experience,” Cox said. “It helped me to get my foot in the door and gave me hands-on experiences into what I may be doing in the future.”
For Cox, a student in the Academy of Business and Design, the program was a perfect fit.
Planning to attend the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, she brought her experience with Adobe software, honed through her work on the school yearbook, into her internship.
This expertise was showcased when she was placed in the communications department and tasked with creating a newsletter for the KUB TeenWork program, distributed to stakeholders and the staff.
“It was really cool to be like, ‘I did this. I created that,’” Cox said. “Everybody gets to see what I’ve made.”
Cox’s involvement in TeenWork mirrors the goals of the 865 Academies, which aim to prepare students for life after graduation by providing authentic, work-based learning experiences.
Through the Academies, students like Cox can connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications, ensuring they are prepared for postsecondary education, enlistment, or employment in high-demand fields.
Beyond honing technical skills, Cox valued the opportunity to build connections that will benefit her in the future.
“I’m grateful to Knox County Schools for providing these opportunities for students to get experience working in a career they’re interested in,” she said. “Being able to build connections while still in high school is really important.”
As she plans to major in marketing, Cox’s experience with KUB TeenWork has provided a solid foundation for her future, demonstrating how the 865 Academies initiative is successfully preparing students for the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.
Career Empowerment and Preparation
Knox County Schools is dedicated to Career Empowerment and Preparation. At KCS, we are committed to preparing students for graduation and life after graduation. By providing students with early and meaningful opportunities to explore colleges and careers, KCS empowers students to confidently approach their future, prepared for the three Es: employment, enrollment, or enlistment.