Photos by Caroline Carter
The Driving Force internship celebrated a triumphant week when seven of our HBCU students were invited to visit the Volkswagen (VW) assembly plant in Chattanooga, TN for a deep dive into automotive technology. The hands-on experience for Khamani Anderson, Taylor Leach, Yorel Hogan, Malachi Fuller, Taylor Green, Malachi Hart, and Trinity Matthews was categorically invaluable.
Imagined and spearheaded by Vickie Miles, Corporate Engagement Lead Sr, Volkswagen Group of America, the interns were selected from The Driving Force cohorts at Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T State University. Each had previously participated in a ten-week virtual program sponsored by VW. During the visit, the students toured the central plant, the battery plant, and the Volkswagen Academy to learn what it takes to build a vehicle. Furthermore, the scholars were elated because they had the chance to speak with VW professionals about mobility career pathways, industry challenges, and the future of automotive, which made the visit even more impactful.
Of course, academic immersion opportunities would not be possible without collaborative efforts. A strong and much appreciated thank you to VW executives Vicki Miles, Kendra Patterson, and Kat Thompson for their forward thinking, and The Driving Force team consisting of Kimatni Rawlins, Greg Morrison, Caroline Carter, Marcus Amick, and Tia Knowles for the tutelage, guidance, and professional input. More importantly, school leadership is imperative for the success of any apprenticeship. Therefore, we are honored by the efforts of Dean Jackie Jones, Michael Cottman, David Squires, and Kimberly Smith.
Our greatest joy is uplifting communities while creating programs to help high school and collegiate youth achieve and excel. We look forward to witnessing their ascension from the classroom to the boardroom.
Each one, Teach one!
