Students2Work 2025: Building Augusta’s Future Workforce
This week, 50 high school students from the Richmond County School System are taking the first step toward a successful future through the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Students2Work program.
Now in its 2025 cycle, Students2Work connects local students with summer internships at businesses across metro Augusta. Guided by the Chamber’s Business Education Advisory Committee (BEAC), the program gives students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience while helping local employers invest in and develop future talent. It directly supports the Richmond County School System’s vision of graduating college- and career-ready students, and strengthens the region’s future workforce.
To prepare for their internships, students are participating in a three-day Soft Skills Training Workshop this week at Augusta Technical College. The program opened with welcome remarks from Jasmine Sims, representing the Office of the Mayor, and Dr. Malinda Cobb, Interim Superintendent and Demargo Lewis from the Richmond County School System.
The training began with impactful sessions led by Dr. Renee Kelly, who helped students identify “What’s Your Differentiator?”, and Raquel Walker, who guided them through “How to Build Your Brand.” Students then took part in a campus tour led by Quentin White and enjoyed lunch while learning about education and career opportunities available to them locally.
Day 2 continued with a general session led by Dr. Tony Robinson, followed by breakout workshops covering topics such as interviewing tips, preparing for the first day on the job, and computer literacy. These sessions were led by experienced facilitators including Bonita Jenkins, Dr. Renee Kelly, and Tiffany-Rowe Thomas.
Tomorrow, students will return for Day 3 of training. Melissa Furman will open the day with a session on navigating today’s workforce and how to stand out in it. Additional workshops will include sessions on financial literacy, workplace ethics, communication, attitude, attire, and conflict resolution—led by Bonita Jenkins, Dr. Lillian Williams, and SRP representatives.
The week will wrap up with the Meet Your Student Intern Match Luncheon, where each student will be introduced to the business that will host them this summer. This event celebrates the beginning of meaningful connections that have the power to shape careers and strengthen the local business community.
The Chamber extends heartfelt thanks to all of the employers and sponsors who are participating in this year’s program. By hosting or sponsoring a student, you're investing not only in that individual’s future—but in the future of our region.
Stay tuned for more highlights from this summer as our students step into their roles, gain valuable experience, and begin charting their own career paths. Together, we are building a stronger, smarter, and more prepared Augusta.
