ATLANTA (January 19, 2012) –TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), the charitable organization established by the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), that is dedicated to preparing the next-generation workforce through better education and real-life job experiences, is opening registration for the third annual High School Summer Internship Program. This program provides students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers with real-life work experiences at established technology companies.

 

TAG-Ed’s High School Summer Internship Program was launched in 2009 to encourage young adults to pursue STEM careers. Since the program began, TAG-Ed has placed 128 students with Atlanta technology companies in positions that provide meaningful work experience for the students and true, value-added work for the companies.  The goal is to place at least 100 students in the summer of 2012.

 

“Over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs occurred three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs, but the talent gap to fill these jobs is growing,” Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative said. “Providing students a hands-on experience in a real business setting helps them understand how they can apply STEM lessons to future careers. And it combats the age-old question of ‘why’ they need to learn these subjects in the first place.”

 

Applicants are screened for aptitude in STEM subjects and the ability to handle a professional setting. They are then partnered with area companies who provide a valuable learning experience for each of the students.

 

Program Highlights:

·      Students work a minimum of five  weeks between June 4 and August 3, 2012

·      Students are paid a $1,000 stipend

·      Students and companies are matched based on interest and education experience

·      Registration for students and companies  is available online at www.tagedonline.org

 

"This internship was a fantastic way for me to expand my horizons to a [field] I had never even considered working in," said Justin Eisenberg, a senior at North Spring High School and a 2011 participant.

 

Angela Martelle, Director, Shared Services Program Management Office at McKesson Corporation and mentor for three interns added, “The TAG-Ed internship program is a win-win for both the intern and the company. It provides both with an opportunity to gain knowledge and insight. An intern provides a company with a fresh perspective on the work environment and helps companies understand the next generation that will be entering the workforce. Interns are able to gain valuable experience in a structured, work environment that they may not receive anywhere else until exiting college and joining the workforce full-time. “

 

Tino Mantella, President of Technology Association of Georgia stated, “In a state with an unemployment rate of nearly 10%, Georgia’s Technology companies have more than 4,000 jobs that are considered difficult to fill because the workforce lacks the requisite technology skills. TAG and its member companies are committed to tackling this skills gap and preparing students for the careers of the future. We believe that the High School Summer Internship Program is a solid step in the right direction.”

 

For more information on the High School Summer Internship Program, visit www.tagedonline.org or contact Michael Robertson at mrobertson@tagonline.org.

 

TAG Education Collaborative initiatives include a student internship program, the WebChallenge competition for high school students, and the Vine Event, a fundraiser launched in 2009 which has raised more than $80,000 to support STEM education.  The TAG Education Collaborative provides middle school and high school programs designed to provide these students with hands-on activities that enable them to gain an appreciation for the opportunities available in STEM careers. For additional information, visit TAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 – 2038 or mrobertson@tagonline.org

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 13,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com.