Students2Work 2026 Prepares 62 Richmond County Students for Summer Internships

This summer, 62 students from the Richmond County School System are taking an important step toward their future careers through the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce's Students2Work program. Designed to connect high school students with local employers across the CSRA, Students2Work provides meaningful summer internship opportunities that allow participants to gain real-world work experience, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths. Guided by the Chamber's Business Education Advisory Committee (BEAC), the program continues to strengthen the local workforce pipeline while supporting student success beyond the classroom.

Building a Foundation for Success

The 2026 Students2Work program began on June 3 with Soft Skills Training at Augusta Technical College, where students focused on developing the confidence and workplace readiness needed to thrive in professional environments. Students participated in an Interactive Brand Session that challenged them to identify their strengths, develop their personal brand, and learn how to make positive first impressions with employers and colleagues. The program welcomed an outstanding group of community leaders, educators, and workforce advocates who shared their experiences and insights, including:

• Mayor Garnett Johnson
• Natalie Butler, Associate Vice President of Workforce & Professional Development, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Dr. Malinda Cobb, Superintendent, Richmond County School System
• Renee Kelly, Workforce Development Coordinator
• Dr. Stacey Mabray, Director of High School Programming & Workforce Development, Richmond County School System
• Inga Coleman, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Richmond County School System

Students also enjoyed a campus tour and lunch hosted by Augusta Technical College, facilitated by Kaylei Martin and Casey Matthews.

A special thank you goes to Quentin White, Director of Campus Life & Student Activities at Augusta Technical College, for helping organize the week's activities and sponsoring lunch for participating students.

Connecting Students with Employers

The week concluded with the highly anticipated Students2Work Match Luncheon, where students met their employer partners and learned where they will be spending their summer internship experiences. Before the luncheon, students participated in the final session of Soft Skills Training, hearing from several distinguished speakers who reinforced the importance of professional development, financial literacy, and personal growth.

Dr. Tom Clark, President & CEO of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon, shared insights on leadership and career opportunities in the region. Students also participated in a Financial Literacy session presented by Yvonne Meeks of SRP Federal Credit Union, gaining practical knowledge that will benefit them both personally and professionally.

Bonita Jefferies Jenkins, Special Populations Coordinator at Augusta Technical College and respected community advocate, encouraged students to embrace perseverance, invest in their personal growth, and prepare themselves for future success.

Investing in the Future Workforce

The Students2Work program would not be possible without the support of local employers, educators, community partners, volunteers, and sponsors who are committed to developing the next generation of talent. By opening their doors to student interns, participating employers are providing valuable hands-on experiences that help young people build confidence, discover career interests, and develop skills that will serve them for years to come. As students begin their summer work experiences across the CSRA, we look forward to seeing them put their training into practice, build meaningful professional relationships, and gain experiences that will help shape their futures.

To view photos, visit our Facebook page: Students2Work Welcome |  Luncheon & Match Day