Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee Spring 2026 Semester Recap
Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee wrapped up another successful Spring 2026 semester with strong momentum and impact across the state.
This semester alone, 6,111 students toured the workshop, 2,023 students joined the movement, and our tour team completed 26 tour stops, connecting with schools and communities throughout Tennessee.
The semester concluded on a high note with a milestone event—Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee’s first-ever Draft Day, held on May 8, 2026, at the Carolyn Smith Innovation Center in Hendersonville, TN.
The event brought together representatives from 12 high schools, community colleges, 50 companies, community and legislative leadership and technical education institutions, celebrating students’ commitments to skilled career pathways and highlighting the growing strength of the movement.
Special Guests Spring Semester 2026
Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee was honored to welcome incredible leaders and industry partners throughout the Spring 2026 semester! From mayors and state representatives to local utilities and workforce champions, these special guests experienced firsthand how we’re inspiring the next generation to pursue skilled careers.
Special Guests:
- Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Knox County
- Mayor Weston Wamp, Hamilton County
- Mayor Larry Eaton, Athens
- Tennessee State Board of Education member Dr. Ina Maxwell
- Representative William Slater
- Senator Ferrell Haile
- Elizabethton Electric
- TVA
Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee’s First Ever Draft Day Recap
Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee’s inaugural Draft Day, with Sumner County Schools, marked a major milestone in workforce development—bringing together more than 500 students and over 50 employers for a hands-on, career-focused experience.
The event demonstrated a strong talent pipeline, with over 60% of students showing high interview readiness, and more than 70% of employer interactions leading to next steps such as interviews, applications, or tours. Immediate outcomes included 6 job offers and multiple second interviews, reinforcing the event’s real-time impact.
High-demand industries such as construction, manufacturing, industrial trades, healthcare, and technology were strongly represented, with employer feedback highlighting communication, confidence, and preparation as the leading drivers of hiring decisions.
Overall, Draft Day successfully connected students with meaningful workforce opportunities while strengthening collaboration between educators, employers, state legislators, and industry partners—creating a proven, data-driven model that supports both immediate hiring needs and long-term talent pipeline growth across Tennessee.
A special thank you to Meta, the presenting sponsor, for helping make this inaugural event possible, as well as to our valued partners:
- Forward Sumner
- Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce,
- Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Portland Chamber of Commerce
- Sumner County School District
- Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Nashville
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Portland
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- Volunteer State Community College
- White House Area Chamber of Commerce
Click Here to watch our event recap video!