[Editor’s note:  (from Chan) “The summer of 2016 was the summer our first Summer SaLT student, Charles West, was a distinguished graduate at basic training.  It was also the summer that another Summer SaLT student, Dusean Sayles, from our first class matriculated at Carson-Newman.  We took some time to think through where our Summer SaLT class of 2015 is now and realized that 8 out of 8 were employed this past summer in jobs they got and maintained independently.  See below for a brief update of 6 of those students.]

Summer SaLT is a work readiness program for high school students served by Preston Taylor Ministries . Each year, a select group of students are placed in various companies in the surrounding area to gain the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. In addition, the cohort meets together once weekly over the summer to supplement their learning with sessions on managing finances, proper interview protocol , and character development. In 2015, e ight PTM high school students had the opportunit y to participate in Summer SaLT . Recently , we had the chance to catch up with some of them to get an update on their lives one year after the Summer SaLT experience.  

2015 SaLT Internship: Christie’s Cookies

Lessons Learned: Customer service skills; communication skills

2016 Summer Update:   Crew Member at Wendy’s

What’s next? Antwania aspires to major in Neuroscience or Biology at Belmont University, in hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.

“Summer SaLT is a fun and beneficial program to those who are interested in learning about the community.”

2015 SaLT  Internship: Justice Industries; Private nanny

Lessons Learned: Business experience

2016 Summer Update: Private nanny

What’s next? LaDejah dreams of going to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville to become a Pre-K teacher.

“[Working as a private nanny] gave me more patience with kids.”

2015 SaLT Internship : Pioneer  Coach

Lessons Learned: Doing what’s right when no one’s looking; teamwork; going above and beyond what’s expected of you; interview etiquette

2016 Summer Update: Crew Member at Taco Bell

What’s next? After graduating from high school, Taz hopes to attend community college for two years. After this, he wants to apply to a university.

“ This program helped me become a better young man and it does a great job with youth and kids.”

2015 SaLT Internship : Nashville Sporting Goods

Lessons Learned: Arriving to work on time; proper work attire

2016 Summer Update : Crew Member at Newk’s

What’s next? After senior year, Clarissa wants to attend the University of Tennessee as a Biology major.

“ SaLT taught me how to save and manage my money.”

2015 SaLT Internship : Preston Taylor Ministries

Lessons Learned : Going through the job application process; Information about credit cards and the banking process

2016 Summer Update : Crew Member at Subway

What’s next? Jerome hopes to attend Nashville State Community College through the Hope Scholarship program.

“ I don’t know if I would have the job I have today without [ SaLT ].”

2015 SaLT Internship:   Nashville Sporting Goods

Lesson Learned: Perseverance

2016 Summer Update: Crew Member at Wendy’s/Employee at Kroger

What’s next? Edneika wants to study Finance after she graduates at either Belmont University, Alabama State University, or Mississippi College.

“One day, I want to see my mentee go through SaLT .”

One year later, it i s clear that Summer SaLT has had a lasting impact on each of our high school students. Through gaining work experience and learning about different parts of the job search process , our students were able to either continue working at their placement sites or pursue other avenues of employment. PTM is so grateful for the supporters, partner companies, and volunteers who have made such a huge and lasting impact on PTM youth.