PEF College and Career Success, an initiative led by the Public Education Foundation, is dedicated to empowering high school students in Chattanooga to achieve success in their future careers and college endeavors. Through its STEP-UP Chattanooga program, PEF bridges the gap between talented young individuals and the workforce needs of the region. STEP-UP Chattanooga connects Hamilton County students with paid internships at local companies, nonprofits, and public agencies.

In addition to valuable on-the-job experience, students receive work readiness training, professional mentors, and advanced career opportunities. They also benefit from ongoing support for their personal and professional growth. Since 2016, PEF College and Career Success has trained over 1,300 students, forged partnerships with more than 100 employers, and enabled interns to collectively earn $540,000.

Through this transformative program, students cultivate essential skills, such as accountability, collaboration, and problem-solving. They also build a network of adult professionals for mentorship and guidance, gain the confidence to pursue their educational and professional goals, and discover their individual potential for a brighter future. Join PEF College and Career Success in shaping the workforce of tomorrow and making a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in Chattanooga